Reading Glasses: How to Choose the Right Strength (Chart Guide)
2025-Sep-23
If you’ve ever found yourself holding a book farther away just to make the words come into focus — welcome to the club. This minor struggle usually indicates that your eyes are undergoing a perfectly normal change called presbyopia. It happens to almost everyone in their 40s and beyond.
The good news? A simple pair of reading glasses can bring the world back into focus. But with all those numbers like +1.25, +2.00, or +3.50 staring back at you, how do you know which strength is right for your eyes?
Let’s walk through it step by step with a handy chart to make it even easier.
What Does “Strength” in Reading Glasses Mean?
When you shop for reading glasses, you’ll see numbers starting from +0.75 and going up to +4.00 diopters (D). These numbers represent the magnification power of the lenses.
Think of it this way:
Lower numbers (+0.75 to +1.25) give you just a little boost. Perfect if you’ve only recently noticed blurry print.
Middle range (+1.50 to +2.25) works well for most people in their 50s.
Higher numbers (+2.50 and above) are for stronger magnification needs, often for folks in their 60s or older.
Signs You Might Need Reading Glasses
Not sure if it’s time to pick up a pair? Here are some telltale signs:
You need more light to read than before.
Small text on menus or your phone looks fuzzy.
You’re constantly squinting or moving your reading material farther away.
Reading leaves you with eye strain or even headaches.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re ready to test reading glasses.
The Reading Glasses Strength Chart
Here’s a simple chart most eye experts agree on. Use it as a starting point:
Age | Suggested strength |
40–44 | +0.75 to +1.00 D |
45–49 | +1.25 to +1.50 D |
50–54 | +1.75 to +2.00 D |
55–59 | +2.25 to +2.50 D |
60+ | +2.75 to +3.50 D |
How to Pick the Right Pair (Without Overthinking It)
Here are some practical tips:
Start small. If you’re torn between two strengths, go with the lower one first. Stronger isn’t always better — too much magnification can actually make reading uncomfortable.
Test for real life. Hold a book or your phone at the distance you normally read (usually 14–16 inches). The right pair should feel natural, not forced.
Consider having more than one pair. A lighter strength for computer use and a stronger one for up-close reading is common.
Try extras like blue-light lenses. If screens are a big part of your day, blue-light blocking readers can ease digital eye strain.
When in doubt, see a pro. An optometrist can check if both eyes need different strengths or if you’d benefit from prescription lenses.
Finding the right strength for your reading glasses doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with your age group on the chart, test what feels comfortable, and don’t be afraid to try a couple of pairs before settling on the perfect one.
At the end of the day, the best reading glasses are the ones that let you read, work, and enjoy life — without squinting.
Explore our reading glasses collection today and discover a pair that brings your world back into focus.