Reading Glasses

The most accurate way to determine the strength you need, is to have an eye test. At Direct Sight, we recommend providing your full prescription. This is so we can make your glasses to your exact requirements. This includes any differences between each eye.

Single vision reading glasses correct near vision only. They are ideal if you solely need help reading, using a phone, or doing close up work.

Varifocal glasses (also called progressive lenses) contain three zones in one lens: distance at the top, intermediate in the middle, and near at the bottom. They are the best choice if you need help seeing both near and far, as they eliminate the need to carry two pairs of glasses. If you are unsure which is right for you, your optometrist can advise based on your prescription.

To buy prescription reading glasses online from Direct Sight, you will need an up to date prescription. This is given to you after an eye test with a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist. In the UK, prescriptions are valid for two years for adults.

Your prescription should include your sphere (lens power), any cylinder and axis values for astigmatism, your pupillary distance (PD), and an 'Add' value. The add is required if you need reading, varifocal or bifocal lenses.

We recommend having an eye test every two years before ordering prescription glasses online.

Yes, significantly. Off the shelf ready readers have identical power in both lenses and are made to a standard pupillary distance. This means they cannot account for different prescriptions between your eyes, astigmatism, or your individual PD. Which can often leads to eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.

Our bespoke prescription glasses are made to your exact prescription. Including your unique pupillary distance and any astigmatism correction, giving you far superior clarity and comfort.

Yes. Many people wear single-vision distance contact lenses and simply put on a pair of reading glasses over the top for close up tasks.

This is a practical and common solution for those with presbyopia who already wear contact lenses for distance vision. Simply wear your contacts as normal and add your reading spectacles when reading or working close up. Alternatively, multifocal contact lenses can correct both distances, so speak to your optometrist about which approach suits you best.

Wearing single vision reading spectacles all day is not recommended if you also need to see things in the distance. They are designed for close up tasks only. Using them for distance activities such as driving can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurred far vision.

If you need glasses for both near and distance, varifocal or bifocal glasses are a far better solution. They provide both distance and near correction in one pair of glasses.

As a general rule, reading glasses should be reviewed every one to two years. If you notice your vision has changed for example, if text appears blurry even with your current glasses, or you are getting frequent headaches. You may need to replace them sooner.

Presbyopia tends to progress gradually, so your prescription may need updating over time. We recommend having a full eye test at least every two years to keep your prescription current.

Direct Sight supplies prescription reading glasses up to +8.00 dioptres. Please note that very high power prescriptions may limit the range of frame styles available. Some frames require a minimum lens thickness.

High index thinner lenses may also be required. If you have a high prescription, our team can advise on the most suitable frame and lens choices when you place your order.