Reading vision test

Find the smallest print you can read comfortably at 40 cm (16 in). If you're over 40 and print is getting hard to read, you'll also get a suggested reading-glasses strength to try.

Why reading gets harder after 40

The lens inside your eye changes shape to focus on close objects. With age it slowly stiffens, a process called presbyopia, and from the early-to-mid 40s most people notice they hold menus and phones farther away, need brighter light to read, or get tired eyes after close work. It happens to everyone, including people who've never needed glasses.

How the near vision test works

Lines of text are printed at standard N-point sizes, the scale eye doctors use for reading charts, at their true physical size after a quick screen calibration. Hold the screen about 40 cm away, roughly the length of your forearm, and tap the smallest line you can read without squinting. Newspaper text is about N8; small print on medicine labels is around N5.

Choosing reading glasses strength

Over-the-counter reading glasses usually come in steps from +1.00 to +3.00. Based on your age and the smallest print you can read, the test suggests a strength to try. Pick the weakest pair that makes text clear at your usual reading distance. An eye exam will confirm the right strength and check that nothing else is affecting your near vision, especially if the two eyes differ.

Frequently asked questions

What strength reading glasses do I need?

It depends mostly on your age and reading distance. People in their 40s often start around +1.00 to +1.50, and needs increase gradually into the 60s. The test gives you a starting point to try.

Are drugstore reading glasses bad for your eyes?

No. They don't damage your eyes. They can be less comfortable than prescription glasses if your eyes need different strengths or you have astigmatism.

What is a normal near vision result?

Reading N5 to N6 comfortably at 40 cm is typical for healthy, well-corrected eyes.

More free eye tests

Vision test (20/20)

Tumbling-E chart for each eye. Measures your 20/20 score.

Contrast sensitivity test

How faint can letters get before they disappear?

Color vision test

A quick red–green check with hidden-number plates.

Astigmatism test

Do some lines on a clock dial look darker?

Amsler grid test

Check for wavy, blurry or missing areas.

Color blind test

Finds your type (red, green or blue-yellow) and how strong it is.

Dominant eye test

Which eye does your brain trust for aiming?

Color blindness simulator

See how the world, or your own photo, looks with each type of color blindness.

This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you have sudden vision loss, flashes, a curtain over your vision, eye pain or new double vision, get urgent care now.