Can I Convert My Bifocals Prescription to Reading Glasses?

Yes, you can take your prescription for bifocals to an optician and request a pair of dedicated close-focus reading glasses without the bifocal feature. Opticians can use your bifocals prescription to create single-vision lenses specifically for reading tasks. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with the optician that they can fill your prescription as intended. If you have any specific concerns or if your prescription has particular instructions, it might be wise to contact the prescriber.

Consulting with Your Prescriber

To get a pair of dedicated close-focus reading glasses without the bifocal feature, you should consult with the prescriber who issued the bifocals prescription. An optician typically follows the prescription they are provided, so any adjustments or changes to the prescription, such as removing the bifocal feature, would need to be discussed and approved by the prescriber, whether that is an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Multiple Sets of Glasses

Yes, I have a prescription requiring separate lens strengths to correct my distance vision and also my close-up vision. At my request, the optician has provided two pairs of glasses. The first pair is my varifocal progressive glasses, which correct both close-up and distance vision. The second pair is my single-vision reading glasses, which I use for tasks like working on my PC monitor. Currently, I am wearing my reading glasses. Once I finish working, I will switch to my varifocal glasses to see distance clearly.

Using Your Prescription for Reading Glasses

Your bifocals prescription should contain all the necessary numbers for an optician to convert them into the glasses you need. They may have to do some math to calculate your prescription for near-only vision, but the numbers they need to perform the calculation will be on the prescription itself.

Prescription Validity and Limitations

If you have a valid prescription, you can get just reading glasses instead of bifocals. Please ensure that your prescription is not expired. With reading glasses, you will not be able to see anything further than about 12-16 inches away from you. Additionally, you will have to remove or look over the glasses to see distance clearly.

In summary, if you want dedicated close-focus reading glasses without the bifocal feature, you can take your bifocals prescription to an optician. Confirm with the optician that they can fulfill your request and discuss any specific needs with your prescriber. With the right prescription and guidance, you can enjoy better close-up vision without unnecessary features.