Lens Power
Lens power (also called magnification strength) tells you how much help the lenses give your eyes to see things up close. It’s measured in dioptres (D) and for reading glasses comes in + (positive) numbers.
What is Lens Power?
Also called magnification strength, the lens power tells you how much help the lenses give your eyes to see things up close.
It’s measured in dioptres (D) and for reading glasses comes in + (positive) numbers (for example, +1.50). The higher the number, the stronger the magnification.
As we age, our eyes naturally lose the ability to focus up close (a condition called presbyopia).
Reading glasses help by magnifying text and reducing eye strain.
+0.5
VERY MILD MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People just starting to notice eye strain when reading small print.
Those in their early 40s who only need a slight boost for very close work.
Occasional readers or people who mostly use computers/phones
What it does:
Provides a gentle magnification, just enough to make text a bit clearer.
Reduces minor eye strain without feeling “strong” or noticeable.
Tips:
Ideal if you only need reading glasses occasionally.
Can be worn for close work like menus, labels, or short reading sessions.
If text still feels blurry, you may need +1.00
+1.0
MILD MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People noticing early signs of presbyopia (usually early-to-mid 40s).
Those who occasionally struggle with small print or close-up tasks.
Ideal for light reading, smartphones, or menus.
What it does:
Offers gentle magnification to make close-up text easier to see.
Reduces minor eye strain without feeling too strong or overwhelming.
Tips:
Best for occasional or short-term reading sessions.
If text still looks slightly blurry, consider trying +1.50 for a bit more magnification.
Comfortable for most first-time reading-glass users.
+1.5
MODERATE MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People in their mid-40s to early 50s noticing noticeable blur at close distances.
Those who need to hold text further away to see clearly.
Ideal for daily reading, smartphones, or computer work.
What it does:
Provides moderate magnification to make reading and close-up tasks easier.
educes eye strain during longer reading sessions.
Comfortable for extended wear throughout the day.
Tips:
Often the first “daily-use” strength for regular reading.
Works well for reading books, labels, recipes, and small print on screens.
If your eyes still feel strained, consider trying +2.0 for slightly more magnification.
+2.0
STRONG MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People who find reading without glasses difficult.
Those who notice fine print becoming hard to see at close distances.
Ideal for regular reading, long documents, and computer use.
What it does:
Offers strong magnification for clear, comfortable near vision.
Reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions.
Often the first “full-time” reading glasses strength.
Tips:
Perfect for books, menus, recipes, and detailed work.
If reading still feels blurry, you may need +2.50 for slightly more magnification.
Comfortable for most daily readers who need constant near-vision support
+2.5
EXTRA-STRONG MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People who have significant difficulty seeing fine print up close.
Those who mostly need reading glasses for close-up tasks.
Ideal for longer reading sessions or detailed work.
What it does:
Provides extra-strong magnification for very clear near vision.
Reduces eye strain when reading small text or doing close-up hobbies.
Typically used for reading-specific tasks rather than general wear.
Tips:
Perfect for books, labels, recipes, and other close-up work.
If you need constant near-vision support, this is a common choice for daily reading.
Make sure to choose the correct power for your usual reading distance to stay comfortable.
+3.0
MAXIMUM MAGNIFICATION
Who it’s for:
People with significant difficulty reading small text at close range.
Those who need strong assistance for near vision tasks.
Typically used primarily for reading, rather than general wear.
What it does:
Provides strong magnification for very clear close-up vision.
Reduces eye strain when reading fine print, labels, recipes, or documents.
Ideal for people who require substantial visual support for near work.
Tips:
Perfect for intensive reading sessions or detailed close-up tasks.
Usually not worn for general activities like walking or computer use.
Ensure the reading distance you normally use matches this lens strength for maximum comfort.
IF YOU'RE JUST STARTING OUT
If you're just starting out (you're getting headaches, you're squinting to see, you're holding text at arm's length to read it), try starting with a +0.5 or +1.00 or and adjust based on comfort.
PRO TIPS
- You can test different powers with printable reading diopter charts online - or try a few at a local retailer and see what feels best.
- You might be able to determine which strength of reading glasses you need by consulting a "lens power by age table" like this.
- Start Low. If you’ve narrowed it down to two pairs of readers, it’s usually best to choose the one with less magnification.
- Non-prescription glasses are designed to work for reading or looking at other things up close, and if you are using them to see far away you should visit your local optometrist to discuss this.
- Note that a stronger lens is not always better, so reconsider a lens power that allows you to read something at a comfortable distance.
- You might find that you require different lenses for various tasks. If so, have a think about buying several pairs of reading glasses, each with a different strength of lens.
- If you're wearing reading glasses to see objects that are very close or very small, you will need stronger strength lenses with higher magnification than what the age-based reading glasses power chart might recommend.
- If you’re using reading glasses mainly while on the computer, perhaps choose a lower reading glass power. A lower reading glass power should be used when the viewing distance is longer. A lower strength of our reading glasses work great for computer readers. Keep a pair next to your screen.
- Occasional vs daily: +0.50–1.25 often works for occasional readers.
+1.50+ is better for daily reading.
