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Near vision test and reading glasses guide
Read text at different print sizes at a normal reading distance to check your close-up vision, with a rough guide to reading glasses strength by age.
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A screening aid, not a diagnosis. Screens, lighting and distance affect results. If something looks wrong, or your vision changes suddenly, see an eye-care professional. Medical disclaimer
What this check measures
Near vision is measured with reading cards printed in standard N sizes, where the number is the print size in points. Newspaper text is about N8 to N10; the fine print on a medicine label is often N6 or smaller. Holding the screen at 40 cm, the smallest line you can read comfortably shows how well your eyes focus up close.
For accurate print sizes, calibrate your screen first in step 1 of the visual acuity check. The size is saved on your device for this check too.
Presbyopia: the reason most people need readers
The lens inside the eye gradually stiffens with age, and by the early to mid 40s most people notice they hold menus and phones farther away. This is presbyopia. It happens to everyone, including people who have never needed glasses, and it keeps progressing until about age 60.
Options for clear near vision
- Ready-made reading glasses for people with good distance vision
- Prescription readers, bifocals or progressive lenses
- Multifocal or monovision contact lenses
- Prescription eye drops that temporarily shrink the pupil
- Monovision laser correction or lens replacement surgery for some people
Questions people ask
What strength reading glasses do I need?
As a rough guide, people in their early to mid 40s often start around +0.75 to +1.25, rising to about +2.25 to +2.75 after 60. Choose the weakest pair that makes print clear at your usual distance, and have an eye exam to confirm.
Are drugstore readers bad for my eyes?
No. They do not damage your eyes. They can be the wrong strength for each eye, or miss astigmatism, which can cause strain. They also do not replace an exam that checks eye health.