Over the counter glasses

[thewillow]

How come I can buy non-prescription glasses for long-sightedness over the counter but not ones for short-sightedness?

[woofgang]

I think because people notice they can't read print, but don't notice, or can cope with, the fact that things in the distance are blurrier than they should be. I need glasses to drive and would never have realised except my DH went for a sight test and I thought that I might as well have one too. The optician asked me where were the glasses I used for driving and just about had a fit when I told him I didn't wear any!!

[PaulB]

Yes, as an ex-practising optician I can tell you that the non prescription glasses you can buy over the counter are for reading (which is long sighted). These aren't acurate for your eyes but nornally will surfice as in they go up in Diopters of +0.25 for both eyes where normally your eyes wouldn't be the same. They are only made as a "get by" but you should really get a proper prescription for reading anyway. Short sightedness is a different kettle of fish as you can also have astigmatism (irregular shape of the eye). It is quite complex but, in basic terms, the readers you refer to are not meant to be relied on but only as an aid. I hope I make sense!!!

[archbishop]

Yes you do PaulB.I hope Woofgang gets it the right way round next time.

[jjf2003]

I once bought a pair of glasses for short-sightedness over the counter, in Amsterdam. They seemed OK at the time but I later realised they were not quite suitable and when I got home I went to an optician's and got a properly prescribed pair made. It really is better to go to an optician and damn the cost.

[Gef]

Because the shop isn't long enough!