Finding the right power for your reading glasses just got a whole lot easier. It used to be that people would put on any pair of readers, not paying attention to which power they need, and use their arm as an auto focuser.

Have you ever noticed someone at the restaurant struggling to see the menu? They pull out a pair of glasses to ease their eyes. But two seconds later, grab the candle to help them see even better. Then move their arm back and forth as an auto focuser. This person is not wearing the proper correction in their reading glasses.

So how do you avoid this situation? Simple, understand how readers work and what power you need to see that menu. The first thing to understand is that higher power readers work great to magnify the little print. However, the higher the power in your readers, the less range of focus you will have.

The second thing to understand is the role that lighting plays in your vision. Good lighting can mean the difference between a +1.50 and a +2.00. What does this mean for you? If you have a good lamp at your side when reading the paper, a +1.50 will allow you to scan the entire paper better. However, if your lighting is dim you may need a +2.00 reader. A little tip for all you reading glass wearers: If you carry a pair with you to go the restaurants or shopping, get a power slightly stronger than you normally wear. This will allow you to see those tiny price tags, read ingredient labels, and see that menu.

One other thing to understand about reading glasses is that they are completely safe for your eyes and you really can?? mess this up too bad. If you get the wrong power, they simply won?? work as well for you and your needs. But wouldn?? it be wiser to get the right lens correction to begin with?

Reading glasses come in plus powers. They will range from +1.00 to +3.00, pronounced plus one. A +1.50 is pronounced as plus one fifty, and so on. A lower number depicts a lower the magnification and of course the higher the number, the greater the magnification

In some ways, these remarkable devices ??also known as bioptics - are similar to bifocal reading glasses. They essentially work the same way; patients utilize these macular degeneration devices by tilting their heads forward. These particular macular degeneration devices are different however in their construction. Unlike bifocal reading glasses, which integrate two different prescriptions into single lenses, telescopic glasses actually consist of miniature telescopes that sit atop the frames.

The marvelous aspect of telescopic glasses ??also known as bioptics - is the fact that they can be adjusted in the same way as many full-sized telescopes. As low vision aids for the relief of macular degeneration symptoms, telescopic glasses can be adjusted for a variety of activities requiring far, mid-range and near vision.

In fact, some states actually allow those who cannot pass the eye test for driving to operate a motor vehicle as long as bioptics are used. While there are usually restrictions, the use of telescopic glasses can help the patient to regain some measure of independence. These low vision aids are of great help in seeing road signs and other objects on the highway.

Telescopic glasses are like regular glasses, and if you plan on driving with them, you??l need an optometrist?? prescription. Even if you??e not planning to operate an automobile (and admittedly, this is not appropriate for everyone ??or even very many ??people with macular degeneration symptoms), the use of these remarkable low vision aids can greatly add to your quality of life.

With the use of bioptics, people who use such macular degeneration devices can once again enjoy watching television and motion pictures, engage in artistic pursuits such as sculpture and painting or music requiring reading, and engage in their favorite sports.

Of course, because macular degeneration symptoms affect one?? central vision and because different activities in life require different kinds of vision, there is no one single solution. Bioptics are only one part of a comprehensive solution that will most likely require several different types of macular degeneration devices. Only your optometrist can advise you as to which of these prosthetic devices can be of most good in helping your particular case