Select Your Style

• 1). Choose full-size lenses if you spend a lot of time reading small text up close. Though you will not be able to see faraway objects with the glasses on, full lenses will be better for your focus if you examine objects or read text for long periods of time.
  
  
• 2). Select half-eye reading glasses if you only need to focus up close for shorter periods of time. With the half-eye reading glasses, you can look over the top edge of the lenses to see objects in the distance.
  
  
• 3). Consider other tools, such as a small magnifying glass or a credit card-sized magnifier if you only need help on occasion; for example, if you can't read very small text in poorly lit areas.
  
  

Choose the Best Strength

• 1). Print the diopter test in the "Resources" section below.
  
  
• 2). Hold the test so it is about 14 inches away from your face. Measure the distance with a ruler if necessary.
  
  
• 3). Read the lines of text starting from the bottom. The number corresponding to the text line that is difficult to read is the strength you will need. For example, if the second line from the bottom is hard for you to read, you will need reading glasses strength +2.00.
  
  
• 4). Try out glasses in the store that sells them. Bring a book with you that has text that is difficult for you to read. Make sure the number recommended by the diopter test you took is adequate for your reading glasses needs.
  
  
• 5). Consider prescription glasses if you cannot find reading glasses that work for you, if you get frequent headaches from wearing the glasses or if bifocals are necessary.