[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":776},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-/eye-health/presbyopia/wearing-glasses":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":775},{"contentPage":11},{"bottomSection":12,"entryTitle":13,"pageTitle":14,"seoMetaData":15,"topSection":19,"anchors":26,"mainSectionCollection":64},null,"en-GB - Eye Health - Presbyopia Glasses - Content Page","When to Start Wearing Glasses for Presbyopia",{"metaDescription":16,"indexed":17,"follow":17,"metaKeywords":12,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":18},"Wondering when to start wearing glasses for age-related near vision? Learn when and why presbyopia glasses are needed, what happens if you don’t wear them, and how to avoid eye strain.",true,false,{"__typename":20,"sys":21,"button":12,"title":23,"subtitle":12,"theme":24,"heroHeightVersion":25},"HeroBanner",{"id":22},"4yvb7nXjgpIgEp5K1BxfOd","When should you start wearing glasses for presbyopia?","Ellipse","Condensed",{"anchorLinksCollection":27},{"items":28},[29,34,39,44,49,54,59],{"anchorLabel":30,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":31},"Introduction",{"sys":32},{"id":33},"7yyxlKMmUrZSTo1UXJKcGP",{"anchorLabel":35,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":36},"When should you start wearing reading glasses",{"sys":37},{"id":38},"15AAuxbIRgEnSFRyIMlNxt",{"anchorLabel":40,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":41},"What happens when you start with reading glasses",{"sys":42},{"id":43},"4LHvp427XGB9bUIDId3UKc",{"anchorLabel":45,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":46},"When do people start wearing presbyopia glasses",{"sys":47},{"id":48},"77YmKicqoDSzWU2ss4Mvxg",{"anchorLabel":50,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":51},"Effects of not wearing glasses when you needed",{"sys":52},{"id":53},"2MXcOZduZdUPuUto14EOOR",{"anchorLabel":55,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":56},"Can Wearing the Wrong Glasses Damage Your Eyes",{"sys":57},{"id":58},"6ZZpcsBagg1Qc7CjN3y2Nu",{"anchorLabel":60,"includeLinkInPageNav":17,"anchorTarget":61},"What to do next",{"sys":62},{"id":63},"1WztYpyj6wmBadE2EFeyfC",{"items":65},[66,115,243,352,493,508,630,742,751],{"__typename":67,"sys":68,"theme":69,"genericTextComponent":70},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":33},"Mono White",{"json":71,"links":108},{"nodeType":72,"data":73,"content":74},"document",{},[75,84,92,101],{"nodeType":76,"data":77,"content":78},"heading-2",{},[79],{"nodeType":80,"value":81,"marks":82,"data":83},"text","Understanding when and why you might need glasses",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":86,"content":87},"paragraph",{},[88],{"nodeType":80,"value":89,"marks":90,"data":91},"As you get older, near vision often becomes less sharp, a condition called presbyopia. You might notice it when reading menus, using your phone, or doing close‑up tasks. This guide answers common questions on when to wear glasses, how often, and the risks of the wrong prescription.",[],{},{"nodeType":93,"data":94,"content":100},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":95},{"sys":96},{"id":97,"type":98,"linkType":99},"dl459Iw2ogPqZRQgJdbBL","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":85,"data":102,"content":103},{},[104],{"nodeType":80,"value":105,"marks":106,"data":107},"",[],{},{"entries":109},{"block":110},[111],{"__typename":98,"sys":112,"linkText":113,"linkUrl":114,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":97},"Learn more about Presbyopia","/eye-health/presbyopia",{"__typename":116,"sys":117,"switchSequenceAtMobile":18,"backgroundTheme":118,"rightColumnCollection":119,"leftColumnCollection":128},"TwoColumnLayout",{"id":38},"Blue",{"items":120},[121],{"__typename":122,"sys":123,"captionText":12,"imageAltText":125,"imageLink":12,"image":126},"MediaImage",{"id":124},"ncYLlifBelMFqZQETf9Yg","A man sits in a chair reading",{"url":127},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/3nilTdryrx20GEb2LXlml6/e255561b7457c1daf0bd74eda1899a6e/1009805_Reading_living_room_Bobby_33135786_029_4x3-inline-image.jpg",{"items":129},[130],{"__typename":67,"sys":131,"theme":133,"genericTextComponent":134},{"id":132},"5rdubamm5hUj1iPhBffMNU","Cool Blue",{"json":135,"links":240},{"nodeType":72,"data":136,"content":137},{},[138,145,152,159,194,214,233],{"nodeType":76,"data":139,"content":140},{},[141],{"nodeType":80,"value":142,"marks":143,"data":144},"When should you start wearing glasses all the time?",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":146,"content":147},{},[148],{"nodeType":80,"value":149,"marks":150,"data":151},"You might not need to wear glasses constantly; it depends on your symptoms and your daily activities.",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":153,"content":154},{},[155],{"nodeType":80,"value":156,"marks":157,"data":158},"You may need to wear glasses full-time if:",[],{},{"nodeType":160,"data":161,"content":162},"unordered-list",{},[163,174,184],{"nodeType":164,"data":165,"content":166},"list-item",{},[167],{"nodeType":85,"data":168,"content":169},{},[170],{"nodeType":80,"value":171,"marks":172,"data":173},"You struggle to focus at both near and far distances",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":175,"content":176},{},[177],{"nodeType":85,"data":178,"content":179},{},[180],{"nodeType":80,"value":181,"marks":182,"data":183},"You experience frequent headaches or eye strain",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":185,"content":186},{},[187],{"nodeType":85,"data":188,"content":189},{},[190],{"nodeType":80,"value":191,"marks":192,"data":193},"You switch between different pairs of glasses (e.g. for reading and driving)",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":195,"content":196},{},[197,201,210],{"nodeType":80,"value":198,"marks":199,"data":200},"In these cases, ",[],{},{"nodeType":202,"data":203,"content":205},"hyperlink",{"uri":204},"/glasses/glasses-lenses/varifocals",[206],{"nodeType":80,"value":207,"marks":208,"data":209},"varifocal lenses",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":211,"marks":212,"data":213}," (which cover near, intermediate, and distance vision) are a convenient all-day solution.",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":215,"content":216},{},[217,221,229],{"nodeType":80,"value":218,"marks":219,"data":220},"For occasional close-up tasks, ",[],{},{"nodeType":202,"data":222,"content":224},{"uri":223},"/glasses/glasses-lenses/reading-glasses",[225],{"nodeType":80,"value":226,"marks":227,"data":228},"reading glasses",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":230,"marks":231,"data":232}," may be enough; many people wear these only when needed.",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":234,"content":235},{},[236],{"nodeType":80,"value":237,"marks":238,"data":239},"\n",[],{},{"entries":241},{"block":242},[],{"__typename":67,"sys":244,"theme":69,"genericTextComponent":245},{"id":43},{"json":246,"links":346},{"nodeType":72,"data":247,"content":248},{},[249,256,275,308,334,340],{"nodeType":76,"data":250,"content":251},{},[252],{"nodeType":80,"value":253,"marks":254,"data":255},"What happens when you start wearing glasses?",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":257,"content":258},{},[259,263,271],{"nodeType":80,"value":260,"marks":261,"data":262},"Wearing ",[],{},{"nodeType":202,"data":264,"content":266},{"uri":265},"/glasses/buyers-guide/new-glasses",[267],{"nodeType":80,"value":268,"marks":269,"data":270},"new glasses",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":272,"marks":273,"data":274}," for the first time can feel like a big change, but most people adjust quickly and feel relief from:",[],{},{"nodeType":160,"data":276,"content":277},{},[278,288,298],{"nodeType":164,"data":279,"content":280},{},[281],{"nodeType":85,"data":282,"content":283},{},[284],{"nodeType":80,"value":285,"marks":286,"data":287},"Blurred or strained vision",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":289,"content":290},{},[291],{"nodeType":85,"data":292,"content":293},{},[294],{"nodeType":80,"value":295,"marks":296,"data":297},"Difficulty focusing on small print",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":299,"content":300},{},[301],{"nodeType":85,"data":302,"content":303},{},[304],{"nodeType":80,"value":305,"marks":306,"data":307},"Headaches and squinting",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":309,"content":310},{},[311,315,321,325,330],{"nodeType":80,"value":312,"marks":313,"data":314},"If you're using ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":316,"marks":317,"data":320},"varifocals",[318],{"type":319},"bold",{},{"nodeType":80,"value":322,"marks":323,"data":324}," or ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":326,"marks":327,"data":329},"multifocal contact lenses",[328],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":331,"marks":332,"data":333},", there may be a short adjustment period. Your optician will help make sure your prescription and frame fit are right for you.",[],{},{"nodeType":93,"data":335,"content":339},{"target":336},{"sys":337},{"id":338,"type":98,"linkType":99},"3wKXs2lypuJkrde2wIbJef",[],{"nodeType":85,"data":341,"content":342},{},[343],{"nodeType":80,"value":105,"marks":344,"data":345},[],{},{"entries":347},{"block":348},[349],{"__typename":98,"sys":350,"linkText":351,"linkUrl":265,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":338},"Tips for adjusting to new glasses",{"__typename":67,"sys":353,"theme":133,"genericTextComponent":354},{"id":48},{"json":355,"links":406},{"nodeType":72,"data":356,"content":357},{},[358,365,381,387],{"nodeType":76,"data":359,"content":360},{},[361],{"nodeType":80,"value":362,"marks":363,"data":364},"At what age do most people start wearing glasses for presbyopia?",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":366,"content":367},{},[368,372,377],{"nodeType":80,"value":369,"marks":370,"data":371},"Presbyopia typically begins around age ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":373,"marks":374,"data":376},"40–45",[375],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":378,"marks":379,"data":380}," and gradually worsens with age.",[],{},{"nodeType":93,"data":382,"content":386},{"target":383},{"sys":384},{"id":385,"type":98,"linkType":99},"6h186hWqqcBI5N8g6G0oA7",[],{"nodeType":85,"data":388,"content":389},{},[390,394,402],{"nodeType":80,"value":391,"marks":392,"data":393},"It’s important to have regular ",[],{},{"nodeType":202,"data":395,"content":397},{"uri":396},"/eye-test",[398],{"nodeType":80,"value":399,"marks":400,"data":401},"eye tests",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":403,"marks":404,"data":405}," every two years — or sooner if you notice changes.",[],{},{"entries":407},{"block":408},[409],{"__typename":410,"sys":411,"listType":412,"listItems":413},"CustomList",{"id":385},"Numbered",{"items":414},[415,436,457],{"id":416,"isValid":17,"body":417,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"cCwfkj1QYFSle9VMPzR11",{"nodeType":72,"data":418,"content":419},{},[420],{"nodeType":85,"data":421,"content":422},{},[423,427,432],{"nodeType":80,"value":424,"marks":425,"data":426},"In your ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":428,"marks":429,"data":431},"40s",[430],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":433,"marks":434,"data":435},", you may only need reading glasses for small text.",[],{},{"id":437,"isValid":17,"body":438,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"s3gCd2RaS1DSsXojYkmuu",{"nodeType":72,"data":439,"content":440},{},[441],{"nodeType":85,"data":442,"content":443},{},[444,448,453],{"nodeType":80,"value":445,"marks":446,"data":447},"By your ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":449,"marks":450,"data":452},"50s",[451],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":454,"marks":455,"data":456},", you might need them more frequently, or all day.",[],{},{"id":458,"isValid":17,"body":459,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"bGxDJj4xbkWvwWYX9ReJy",{"nodeType":72,"data":460,"content":461},{},[462],{"nodeType":85,"data":463,"content":464},{},[465,468,473,477,482,485,489],{"nodeType":80,"value":424,"marks":466,"data":467},[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":469,"marks":470,"data":472},"60s and beyond",[471],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":474,"marks":475,"data":476},", many people wear ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":478,"marks":479,"data":481},"multifocal glasses",[480],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":322,"marks":483,"data":484},[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":316,"marks":486,"data":488},[487],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":490,"marks":491,"data":492}," full-time.",[],{},{"__typename":494,"sys":495,"title":497,"body":498,"imageAltText":499,"theme":500,"imageMobileTablet":501,"imageDesktop":503,"buttonsCollection":505},"SplitBanner",{"id":496},"4vjg1dYL61tHnvH0gDUxKF","Do you know about presbyopia?","As we age, it’s common for our eyes to find close-up focus more difficult. Learn what presbyopia is and explore glasses designed to help, from multifocals to reading glasses.","A woman holds her head in discomfort which looking at a smartphone","Aloe Green",{"url":502},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/2RoRFpcs4v5qsARD12hpIX/25afe84e214096f95a1ff5937ca3a184/2197652_UK_ROI_OPT_Presbyopia_website_hero_banners_Mobile_1536x864.jpg",{"url":504},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/3b3hJIaW2MdTrcTT3fq6xq/bcff03eaa65c6c2a42c5245b8f835eb2/1009805_Difficulty_reading_marianne__133_940x1000.jpg",{"items":506},[507],{"linkText":113,"linkUrl":114,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"__typename":67,"sys":509,"theme":133,"genericTextComponent":510},{"id":53},{"json":511,"links":550},{"nodeType":72,"data":512,"content":513},{},[514,521,528,534],{"nodeType":76,"data":515,"content":516},{},[517],{"nodeType":80,"value":518,"marks":519,"data":520},"Effects of not wearing glasses when you need them",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":522,"content":523},{},[524],{"nodeType":80,"value":525,"marks":526,"data":527},"If you delay wearing glasses or avoid them altogether, you may experience:",[],{},{"nodeType":93,"data":529,"content":533},{"target":530},{"sys":531},{"id":532,"type":98,"linkType":99},"6aKmdVDAp6CJu1iVXU6Axr",[],{"nodeType":85,"data":535,"content":536},{},[537,541,546],{"nodeType":80,"value":538,"marks":539,"data":540},"While presbyopia doesn’t damage your eyes, ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":542,"marks":543,"data":545},"ignoring it can reduce your quality of life",[544],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":547,"marks":548,"data":549}," and make everyday tasks more difficult.",[],{},{"entries":551},{"block":552},[553],{"__typename":410,"sys":554,"listType":555,"listItems":556},{"id":532},"Check",{"items":557},[558,570,582,594,606,618],{"id":559,"isValid":17,"body":560,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"2l9WnZTqLO68Nrmhn16HK",{"nodeType":72,"data":561,"content":562},{},[563],{"nodeType":85,"data":564,"content":565},{},[566],{"nodeType":80,"value":567,"marks":568,"data":569},"Eye strain",[],{},{"id":571,"isValid":17,"body":572,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"xgq0sJNbfqxMDfAMuzaaw",{"nodeType":72,"data":573,"content":574},{},[575],{"nodeType":85,"data":576,"content":577},{},[578],{"nodeType":80,"value":579,"marks":580,"data":581},"Blurred vision",[],{},{"id":583,"isValid":17,"body":584,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"AbmqJi97aaFkwRJSOfUiv",{"nodeType":72,"data":585,"content":586},{},[587],{"nodeType":85,"data":588,"content":589},{},[590],{"nodeType":80,"value":591,"marks":592,"data":593},"Headaches",[],{},{"id":595,"isValid":17,"body":596,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"KchUB1a6z_P21biMXmAZ8",{"nodeType":72,"data":597,"content":598},{},[599],{"nodeType":85,"data":600,"content":601},{},[602],{"nodeType":80,"value":603,"marks":604,"data":605},"Fatigue while reading",[],{},{"id":607,"isValid":17,"body":608,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"b6MMS-sUxET5Mej_pMFe9",{"nodeType":72,"data":609,"content":610},{},[611],{"nodeType":85,"data":612,"content":613},{},[614],{"nodeType":80,"value":615,"marks":616,"data":617},"Reduced productivity",[],{},{"id":619,"isValid":17,"body":620,"linkText":105,"linkUrl":105},"S3I_SM5xLPw2zcxEZBg7i",{"nodeType":72,"data":621,"content":622},{},[623],{"nodeType":85,"data":624,"content":625},{},[626],{"nodeType":80,"value":627,"marks":628,"data":629},"Difficulty with tasks like sewing, reading, or using digital screens",[],{},{"__typename":116,"sys":631,"switchSequenceAtMobile":18,"backgroundTheme":632,"rightColumnCollection":633,"leftColumnCollection":641},{"id":58},"White",{"items":634},[635],{"__typename":122,"sys":636,"captionText":12,"imageAltText":638,"imageLink":12,"image":639},{"id":637},"6m4mKihUEUkh1bsglSViit","A photo in which a woman is putting on glasses to read while helped by another",{"url":640},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/4KbNNYHInZhXvkqU21g1se/6a9c3f2e92c32b6740e614a8d1cd7620/1009805_putting_on_glasses_help_kastur_marianne_33152813_192_4x3-inline-image.jpg",{"items":642},[643],{"__typename":67,"sys":644,"theme":69,"genericTextComponent":646},{"id":645},"6v3Hip4J2GcpubH22Iiq58",{"json":647,"links":735},{"nodeType":72,"data":648,"content":649},{},[650,657,664,707,723,729],{"nodeType":76,"data":651,"content":652},{},[653],{"nodeType":80,"value":654,"marks":655,"data":656},"Can wearing the wrong glasses damage your eyes?",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":658,"content":659},{},[660],{"nodeType":80,"value":661,"marks":662,"data":663},"Wearing the wrong prescription won’t cause permanent damage, but it can lead to:",[],{},{"nodeType":160,"data":665,"content":666},{},[667,677,687,697],{"nodeType":164,"data":668,"content":669},{},[670],{"nodeType":85,"data":671,"content":672},{},[673],{"nodeType":80,"value":674,"marks":675,"data":676},"Blurry vision",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":678,"content":679},{},[680],{"nodeType":85,"data":681,"content":682},{},[683],{"nodeType":80,"value":684,"marks":685,"data":686},"Dizziness or nausea",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":688,"content":689},{},[690],{"nodeType":85,"data":691,"content":692},{},[693],{"nodeType":80,"value":694,"marks":695,"data":696},"Eye strain and headaches",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":698,"content":699},{},[700],{"nodeType":85,"data":701,"content":702},{},[703],{"nodeType":80,"value":704,"marks":705,"data":706},"Poor posture from leaning or squinting",[],{},{"nodeType":85,"data":708,"content":709},{},[710,714,719],{"nodeType":80,"value":711,"marks":712,"data":713},"It’s especially important to ",[],{},{"nodeType":80,"value":715,"marks":716,"data":718},"avoid over-the-counter reading glasses",[717],{"type":319},{},{"nodeType":80,"value":720,"marks":721,"data":722}," unless they’ve been recommended for your specific needs. A professional eye test will ensure you get the right prescription for your eyes and lifestyle.",[],{},{"nodeType":93,"data":724,"content":728},{"target":725},{"sys":726},{"id":727,"type":98,"linkType":99},"7dnBFfrQuwL2igSL6vWdyT",[],{"nodeType":85,"data":730,"content":731},{},[732],{"nodeType":80,"value":105,"marks":733,"data":734},[],{},{"entries":736},{"block":737},[738],{"__typename":98,"sys":739,"linkText":740,"linkUrl":741,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":727},"Why your prescription matters","/glasses/your-prescription",{"__typename":743,"sys":744,"title":60,"body":745,"theme":24,"buttonCollection":746},"FullWidthBannerSimple",{"id":63},"If you’re over 40, it’s a good time to check your eyes. We offer a full range of glasses and lenses for presbyopia — and can help you choose what’s right for you.",{"items":747},[748],{"linkText":749,"linkUrl":750,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},"Book an eye test","/book/location",{"__typename":752,"sys":753,"title":755,"body":12,"backgroundTheme":632,"actionCardEntriesCollection":756},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":754},"3zkOdLlkF2MflJCHX0XBXa","Discover more",{"items":757},[758,764,770],{"title":759,"body":12,"imageAltText":760,"linkText":761,"linkUrl":223,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":762},"Explore reading glasses","Man with a greying beard wearing thin, metal framed glasses","Find out more",{"url":763},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/29D3xizaEU2Ju7PioIZryk/e5a7c5a3330573551781c1f23e72a452/401028_UK_ROI_CRM_EXP-Post-Vist_Article-image_520x392_9.jpg",{"title":765,"body":12,"imageAltText":766,"linkText":767,"linkUrl":204,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":768},"Learn about varifocals","Lens inspection close up","Read more",{"url":769},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/5FpRGKJOmxDPrYHU1j6ehZ/dbf82de3b564a518db1d12d81ea5d9e0/LENS_FINAL-INSPECTION_061-Action-Card.jpg",{"title":771,"body":12,"imageAltText":12,"linkText":761,"linkUrl":772,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":773},"Contact lenses for presbyopia","/contact-lenses/multifocal-lenses",{"url":774},"https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/7KZFmIgJoHQfooEbIPsW5Q/0813f6282c74972d9ed17791d6bbd2b1/TOM_WASELS_FRONT_CL_Multifocal-Contact-Lenses---Action-Card.jpg",[12,12,12],1780932051028]