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Reading glasses lens options explained
Everything you need to know about your options, single vision, bifocal, varifocal, and ready-made readers.
What Are Reading Lenses?
Reading lenses are any prescription lens, or magnifying lens, designed to help you see clearly at close range. There are different types of lenses, each designed for specific distances and lifestyles. Learning the differences first can save you from buying the wrong glasses.
Most people need help with near vision from their mid-40s due to presbyopia. Several lens options are available to correct this. The right lens depends on your screen use, whether you need distance correction, and your budget.
Your Four Main Options at a Glance
| Lens Type | Near Vision | Screen Vision | Distance Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Vision Reading | Yes | Limited | No |
| Ready-Made Readers | Yes | Limited | No |
| Bifocal | Yes | No | Yes |
| Varifocal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Single Vision Reading Glasses
Single vision reading lenses have one consistent prescription across the entire lens. They are designed for close-up use, typically at 25 to 40cm. All Direct Sight frames can be fitted with reading lenses custom made to your prescription.
Who they suit: People who mainly need help with near vision. Ideal if you read a lot, do close-up work, or want a clear pair of reading glasses for your desk or bedside.
What they don’t do: These lenses are made for one distance only. They won’t give clear distance vision and aren’t ideal for computer use (usually 50 to 70cm away). They’re not meant to be worn all day or for driving.
Why prescription is better: Custom reading lenses are made for your eyes, including differences between each eye, your pupillary distance, and any astigmatism. Off-the-shelf readers use the same strength in both lenses and a standard fit, which can lead to eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.
Ready-Made Reading Glasses
Ready-made readers (also called OTC or off-the-shelf readers) are pre-made magnifying glasses sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. Unlike bespoke prescription reading glasses you don’t need a prescription to buy ready readers. They are usually available in strengths from +0.75 to +4.00.
When they’re useful: They’re handy as a spare pair for quick, occasional use, in your car, kitchen, or bag. They can work for short periods if your vision needs are simple and both eyes are similar.
Their limits: Ready-made readers use the same strength in both lenses and a standard fit. They can’t correct astigmatism or differences between your eyes, and they’re not ideal for long use. If you wear reading glasses for more than 30 minutes or get eye strain or headaches, prescription lenses are a better choice. With custom reading glasses from Direct Sight starting at £9, the price gap is smaller than it used to be.
Bifocal Reading Glasses
Bifocal lenses combine two prescriptions in one lens. Distance at the top and reading at the bottom, separated by a visible line. There’s no middle (intermediate) zone.
Who they suit: Best for people who switch between distance and reading, with little screen use. They are also a good option if you’ve struggled with varifocals or want an easier adjustment.
Limitations: No intermediate zone, so they’re not ideal for screens, dashboards, or anything at mid-distance (50 to 70cm).
Varifocal Reading Glasses
Varifocal (progressive) lenses combine distance, intermediate, and reading vision in one lens, with no visible line. The strength changes gradually from top (distance) to bottom (reading).
The key benefit is the intermediate zone, ideal for screens (around 50 to 70cm). A distance not covered by reading glasses or bifocals.
The trade-off: The edges of the lens can feel slightly blurred due to the changing prescription. Most people adjust within 1 to 2 weeks, though a few may take longer.
Who they suit: The most versatile option. Ideal if you use screens, drive, read, and want one pair of glasses for everything.
Lens Coatings and Upgrades
Any reading lens from Direct Sight can be enhanced with optional coatings:
Anti-reflective coating
Prevents reflections
Scratch-resistant hard coating
Protect against scratch
Blue light filtering
Reduce blue light exposure
Photochromic lenses
Light responsive lenses
High-index lenses
A thinner, lighter lens for stronger prescriptions
Ready to order your Reading Glasses?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single vision reading glasses and varifocals?
Single vision reading glasses correct near vision only, using one prescription power across the whole lens. They are ideal for reading, close-up work, and tasks at a fixed near distance. Varifocal glasses contain three prescription zones in one lens, distance at the top, intermediate in the middle, and near at the bottom. Varifocals are the better choice if you need help at more than one distance, or if you spend time at a computer screen.
What is the difference between bifocal and varifocal reading glasses?
Bifocal lenses have two prescription zones. Distance in the upper portion and near in the lower, separated by a visible dividing line. There is no intermediate zone, so screens and dashboards at arm's length are not covered.
Varifocal lenses have three zones with a gradual transition and no visible line, including an intermediate zone that covers computer screen distances.
Bifocals are generally lower cost and adapt faster; varifocals are more versatile for modern daily life.
Are prescription reading glasses better than ready-made readers?
Prescription reading glasses are significantly more accurate than off-the-shelf ready readers. Ready readers use identical power in both lenses and a generic pupillary distance, meaning they cannot correct astigmatism, account for any difference between your eyes, or match your individual PD. This frequently causes eye strain and headaches. You can order cheap reading glasses, UK made from Direct Sight to your exact prescription from as little as £9.
Do I need an eye test to buy reading glasses online?
Yes. To order reading glasses online UK from Direct Sight you will need a valid prescription from a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist. In the UK, adult prescriptions are valid for two years. Your prescription should include your sphere value, any cylinder and axis for astigmatism, your pupillary distance (PD), and an Add value if you need bifocal or varifocal lenses.
What strength reading glasses do I need?
The best way to find your reading strength is with an eye test. Prescriptions vary between people, and often between each eye, so ready-made readers may not be accurate. Your optician will also set the correct Add power for bifocals or varifocals.
Can I wear reading glasses with contact lenses?
Yes. Many people wear distance contact lenses and use reading spectacles for close-up tasks. This is a common solution for presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses are another option, ask your optometrist what’s best for you.
What are varifocal reading glasses?
Varifocal reading glasses use lenses that correct vision at all distances, far, intermediate (like screens), and near, without a visible line. They are also called progressive or multifocal glasses and are ideal if you want one pair for everything.
Can you get reading glasses for computer use?
Standard single vision reading glasses are optimised for near distances of around 25 to 40cm. This is closer than a typical computer screen at 50 to 70cm.
For screen use, varifocal glasses with an intermediate zone are a good everyday solution. Direct Sight's Office Lens is a specialist progressive designed specifically for intermediate and near distances. Offering a wider mid-range corridor than a standard varifocal. A stand alone intermediate pair of glasses is also a practical solution.
How often should I replace my reading glasses?
Replace your reading glasses every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if your vision changes, your vision becomes blurry or you get eye strain.
What is an Add value on a reading prescription?
The Add value is the extra lens power for near vision in bifocal or varifocal lenses. It is added to your distance prescription to help you see up close. This usually ranges from +0.75 to +3.50. In a reading prescription, this extra power is either shown as a separate Add value or already included in the sphere value.