OK, I'll admit it....as I age, my eyesight is slowly getting worse. Like many folks, close up and tiny text are beginning to become an issue as my arms aren't getting any longer. My sight is fairly good at all other distances, so I'm not ready for glasses...yet. In the meantime, for the rare-ish occasions I need some magnification and DON'T want to look like Sherlock Holmes using a spy glass, I looked around to see what was available to purchase. You know, some reading-magnifying glasses. Wow, they sure can be expensive! However, the cheapest ones I could find were only a Dollar at a DOLLAR store...not much of a coincidence there! Would they work? Are they OK to use?? Read on, to find out.
These type of glasses come in various strengths. What strength can be determined by their "Diopter" value. Typically, they come in +1.00 up to +3.25 diopter ratings. What's a Diopter? It's a fancy way of describing the focal length of the glass. Suffice to say, it's an indicator of how strong they are and how much magnification you can expect. Best way to choose is to try them on and read something small! Be aware that the higher the number the more distortion you will get when moving your head around. It's very vertigo inducing and will likely give you a headache if used at too strong a magnification for too long. I've found that for tiny work and tiny text, 1.50 works well. But if I move my head too much or try and move around (like walk!) I get nasty headaches almost right away.
I tried lower than 1.50 and it wasn't enough power. Especially if the text was low contrast, like on some colored labeling. Any higher and it's really nausea inducing unless you keep your head VERY steady. I imagine it would be fine for close up work...like watch battery replacement, but don't try to walk with them on...it doesn't work! Let's just say, well, OUCH! I walked into a cabinet that way. They are available with metal or plastic frames and in lots of shapes, styles and colors...easy to find one that you like. They are so inexpensive, that I've taken to leaving a pair in my tool box. This way, if I get into a situation that requires them...I won't have to go looking. I wonder how long THAT will last! Too bad they can't fix my memory as easily as my tiny text issue!
Who knows, maybe in the future I'll break down and need to get a pair of regular prescription lenses. But, for now. these work just fine.
Be Seeing You...Down The Road,
Rich "
The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com
I use them all the time I had cataracts removed and corrective lens put in. I don't need glasses for everyday things, but do for close up reading. I use a 2.00 and have numerous pairs all over the house and each vehicle plus the garage.
ReplyDeleteOld(er) Guy,
DeleteI've been buying them everytime I go to the dollar store and, like you, distributing around...who knows where I will need them!
Rich "The Wanderman"
The cheapest glasses are not the way to judge reading glasses. I suggest you try a better, read more expensive, pair from someplace like Walgreens or Rite Aid. They are still much less than prescription glasses. They will relieve your head ache, and dizziness.
ReplyDeleteccb,
DeleteI only get weirdness if I use some that are too high powered for the task at hand.
Rich "The Wanderman"
I have been using dollar store readers for years. I could never afford prescription glasses because I lose or sit on them much too often. I have about 20 pair around the house and in my car. Eventually I can't find even one pair so go on a hunt, round them all up and start the losing process all over again.
ReplyDeleteCarol-Leah,
DeleteIf I had a nickel for every pair of sunglasses I've destroyed...I'd sure have a lot of nickels! But STILL not enough for a pair of prescription reading glasses!
Rich "The Wanderman"
To correct for "Far sight distance" try a low strength reader (say 1.00 or 1.25). Worked for me when driving. Also bought an oversize sunglasses at Walmart for sunny days that I wear over the readers.
ReplyDeleteUnknown,
DeleteGood tip!
Rich "The Wanderman"
I am like you, for $1 a pair I have them in every room of the house and garage and cars and camper.
ReplyDeleteGary,
DeleteYup...at that price...why not.. Besides with too few, you'll always be looking for a pair when you need them most!
Rich "The Wanderman"
If you never had glasses before, you may not realize it can take a little while to get used to them, prescription or not.
ReplyDeleteBill,
DeleteGood Point!
Rich "the Wanderman"
When we're in the U.S. I always pick up a few pair. I've even found graduated sunglasses for a buck. I never go without, at a dollar I can have one by my bed, one in my car, on next to my chair, one in my backpack, you name it.
ReplyDeleteliving.boondockingmexico,
DeleteI've been doing exactly that! I guess great minds think alike!
Rich "The Wanderman"
You still want to make sure those sunglasses offer UV protection.
DeleteEssGee,
DeleteDefinitely!
Rich "The Wanderman"
I see it has been about a year since any activity but I recently bought a 23 ft 1989 Aero Cruiser and I am hoping to speak to someone knowledgeable on these motorhomes. ddlum46@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJoin the Aero cruiser club!
ReplyDeleteRich "The Wanderman"