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Prescription Reading Glasses vs Ready-Made
The facts to help you decide
Published by Direct Sight | Eye Care Guide
Do you need prescription reading glasses, or will a pair of off-the-shelf ready readers from the chemist do the job? This guide compares prescription reading glasses vs ready made readers. Providing you with the pros and cons of each to help you identify the best pair of reading glasses for you. Knowing the difference could save you years of headaches and eye strain.
What are ready reader glasses?
Ready reader glasses or over-the-counter (OTC readers) are available to buy off the shelf. They are designed specifically for people who need help correcting near vision. They come in increments of magnification strength, typically from +0.75 to +4.00, and contain the same power in both lenses.
You'll find them in supermarkets, pharmacies, and pound shops across the UK, usually for between £5.00 and £20. They require no eye test, no waiting, and no prescription. They serve as a quick solution for those who want to magnify fine print. A great spare pair to keep in the glovebox, kitchen drawer or handbag.
Ready-made readers are made with the same prescription strength in each eye. Assuming that one size fits all. In reality, many people have slight variations in prescription between their eyes. Using glasses that don't account for this can force one eye to work harder than the other, leading to discomfort.
What are prescription reading glasses?
Prescription reading glasses are tailored to your specific vision needs based on a professional eye test. They take into account the unique shape of your eyes and any differences between them. They can correct eye conditions such as astigmatism or vision problems such as double vision (diplopia).
At Direct Sight, prescription reading glasses are custom-made at our UK production facility in Amersham. They can be ordered as single vision, Occupational (Office lens), Varifocal or bifocal lenses. With optional coatings including anti-reflective, blue light filtering, and photochromic (light-reactive). From placing your order online to receiving your glasses, most prescriptions take just 3 to 7 working days.
Ready reader glasses vs prescription, the key differences
The comparison below highlights the most important distinctions between both options across optical quality, suitability, cost, and convenience.
Ready reader glasses
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
|
+ No prescription needed, buy in-store or online + Available from £5, £20.00 at pharmacies and supermarkets + Instant solution, ideal as a spare or backup pair + Available in strengths +0.75 to +4.00 |
, Same power in both lenses, won't suit most eyes , Uses a generic pupillary distance, may cause strain , Cannot correct astigmatism or differing prescriptions , Near vision only, not suitable for screens or driving , Mass-produced lenses, optical quality varies |
Prescription reading glasses
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
|
+ Individually tailored, different correction per eye + Accurate pupillary distance, no unnecessary eye strain + Corrects astigmatism, myopia, and other refractive errors + Available as single vision, varifocal or occupational lenses + Optional: anti-reflective, blue light and photochromic coatings + Higher-quality materials and precision lens manufacturing + Suitable for extended daily wear, no fatigue or headaches + Prices start from as little as £9.00 from Direct Sight |
, Requires a valid eye test and prescription |
At a glance, feature comparison
| Feature | Ready Readers | Prescription Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Requires eyetest | No | Yes |
| Corrects astigmatism | No | Yes |
| Different power per eye | No | Yes |
| Accurate pupillary distance (PD) | Generic average | Measured precisely |
| Suitable for all day wear | Limited | Yes |
| Available as varifocal | No | Yes |
| Blue light blocking/coatings | No | No |
The most significant difference comes down to customisation. Ready-made readers use a single averaged pupillary distance, typically around 62 to 64mm, for everyone. If your PD is narrower or wider than this average, you won't be looking through the clearest part of the lens. This leads to eye strain and headaches.
Ready reader glasses cannot help with astigmatism. Off-the-shelf readers have no cylindrical correction whatsoever.
Do I need prescription reading glasses?
This is the question most people ask before their first eye test, and the answer isn't always straightforward. Common signs that you may need reading glasses include difficulty reading small print or focusing on near objects. Eye strain or headaches after extended close-up tasks and the need to hold books or phones at arm's length to see clearly.
You need prescription reading glasses if:
- Your eyes have different correction needs: If there is a significant difference in vision between your eyes, OTC readers will likely leave you with blurry or uncomfortable vision.
- You have astigmatism: Ready readers offer zero cylindrical correction and will not resolve distorted or blurred vision.
- You wear reading glasses for more than 30 minutes at a time: ill-fitting readers cause headaches and fatigue over extended periods
- You need distance and near vision correction: A varifocal or bifocal prescription lens handles both in a single pair
- You work at a computer screen: Screens sit at 50 to 70cm, which requires intermediate correction rather than standard near-vision readers
- You get headaches or eye strain from the ready readers you currently use
Ready readers may be sufficient if:
- You only occasionally need help reading small print and have no other visual conditions
- Both eyes have similar, straightforward near-vision correction
- You need a quick spare or backup pair while waiting for your prescription glasses
Off-the-shelf reading glasses in the UK, what the market offers
In the UK, ready readers are widely available from supermarkets, Boots, Specsavers, and online retailers.
They are a legitimate short-term or occasional-use solution. However, while ready readers may seem a more cost-effective choice initially. Tailored prescription glasses represent a worthwhile investment in visual health and comfort over the long term.
With affordable prescription glasses now available online from specialist retailers like Direct Sight. The cost argument for ready readers is much weaker than it once was.
Prescription reading glasses from Direct Sight
At Direct Sight we make every pair of prescription reading glasses at our UK facility in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Your glasses are custom-made to your exact prescription. This includes any difference between your eyes, your pupillary distance, and any astigmatism correction required. We offer prescription reading glasses from as little as £9.
Prescription Reading Glasses Lens Options
Single vision reading lenses, the most popular choice for near tasks
Occupational lenses, optimised for reading and screen distances (50 to 70cm)
Varifocal lenses, near, intermediate, and distance vision in one pair
Bifocal lenses - near and distance vision in one pair
Coatings - Optional anti-reflective, blue light blocking, and photochromic coatings
Shop Reading Glasses
Browse our range of frames that can be customised with your prescription lenses for reading
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ready reader glasses and prescription reading glasses?
Ready reader glasses also called off-the-shelf are mass-produced with the same magnification power in both lenses. They require no eye test and are available from pharmacies and supermarkets across the UK.
Prescription reading glasses are custom-made based on a professional eye test. They account for the individual prescription of each eye, your pupillary distance, any astigmatism, and other refractive conditions. Prescription glasses provide clearer, more comfortable vision particularly for extended wear. They are the only option if your eyes have different correction needs.
Do I need prescription reading glasses or will off-the-shelf readers be enough?
Ready readers may be sufficient if you only occasionally need help reading small print. If both eyes have similar, simple near-vision needs.
You should opt for prescription reading glasses if you wear readers for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you experience headaches or eye strain with ready readers. Have astigmatism, different prescriptions in each eye, or need correction for both near and distance vision. If in any doubt, book an eye test, it is the only reliable way to know your exact requirements.
Are ready readers bad for your eyes?
No. Wearing ready reader glasses will not damage your eyes or worsen your vision over time. However, if the strength is wrong or if the pupillary distance does not match yours. You may experience temporary eye strain, headaches, or discomfort.
These symptoms resolve when you remove the glasses. For long-term daily wear, prescription glasses are strongly preferred to feel comfortable and for optical clarity.
Why do I get headaches from off-the-shelf reading glasses?
Headaches from ready readers are usually caused by the incorrect magnification strength or incorrect PD.
Off-the-shelf glasses use a fixed average PD, typically 62 to 64mm. If your PD is different, which is common, your eyes are not looking through the optical centre of each lens. This causes them to work harder and triggering headaches or eye fatigue. Prescription glasses are made to your exact PD, eliminating this problem entirely.
Can ready readers correct astigmatism?
No. Ready reader glasses have no cylindrical lens correction and cannot address astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, you need prescription glasses with a cylindrical (CYL) correction in the lens. Wearing ready readers when you have significant astigmatism is likely to result in distorted or blurry vision. Only prescription lenses can compensate for the irregular corneal curvature that astigmatism causes.
What strength ready readers do I need?
Ready reader glasses are available in increments of 0.5 dioptre, typically from +0.75 to +4.00. A rough age-based guide is: +1.00 (40 to 45 years), +1.50 (45 to 50 years), +2.00 (50 to 55 years), +2.50 (55 to 60 years), +3.00 (60+ years).
However, this is a rough estimate only. The only accurate way to know your correct reading strength is through a professional eye test. If you are between strengths, always choose the lower power.
Can I use reading glasses for my computer screen?
Standard reading glasses, including prescription or ready-made, are optimised for tasks at around 30cm. This includes tasks such as reading a book or phone.
Computer screens typically sit at 50 to 70cm, which is a different focal distance. Using standard reading glasses for extended computer work can cause you to lean forward or strain your neck. A more comforable and healthier solution is a pair of computer glasses set at the intermediate distance. At Direct Sight we offer several options for computer glasses including office lenses, varifocals and single vision computer glasses.
How much do prescription reading glasses cost in the UK?
On the high street, prescription reading glasses typically start from around £65, £100.00 for a basic single vision pair. Direct Sight offer single vision reading glasses at significantly lower prices, starting from £9. Most orders dispatched within 3 to 7 working days from our UK production facility in Amersham. Prescription glasses online offer far better value and eye health benefits.
Do prescription reading glasses take long to make in the UK?
At Direct Sight, the majority of single vision prescription reading glasses are completed within 3 to 5 working days. More complex prescriptions or specialist lens types may take up to 7 to 10 working days. All glasses are manufactured at our UK facility in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. For urgent requirements, our Next Day Express service is available for eligible single vision prescriptions.
Can I order prescription reading glasses online without visiting an optician?
Yes, if you have a valid prescription from a recent eye test you can order prescription reading glasses online. Direct Sight recommends uploading your prescription when ordering or sending it afterwards so our team can check your details are correct.
What is presbyopia and do I need glasses for it?
Presbyopia is the natural age-related loss of flexibility in the lens of the eye. This makes it increasingly difficult to focus on close-up objects.
It affects almost everyone from their mid-40s onwards. Even those who have never needed glasses before and is the most common reason people turn to reading glasses. If you have presbyopia with no other visual conditions, ready readers may initially be sufficient. As the condition progresses, or if other astigmatism correction is required, prescription reading glasses or varifocals will provide significantly clearer and more comfortable vision.
References
Royal College of Ophthalmologists
NHS