If you’ve ever been tempted to buy over-the-counter reading glasses, also known as cheaters, you’re not alone. They’re cheap, they look OK, and they don’t require a trip to the eye doctor’s office. However, they aren’t the wisest solution for everyone. Here are some reasons why you should get prescription glasses instead.

Why You Should Purchase Prescription Lenses

1. Quality Vision in Many Situations

Over-the-counter readers just magnify images, so they’re only useful for reading small text. If you need eyeglasses all the time, you’ll likely require a custom prescription. This can help you see in many types of situations, including working on a computer, watching television, and driving.

2. Comfortable Fit

Drugstore readers are ready-made and might not fit your face well, resulting in discomfort. If you get prescription lenses, however, an eye doctor can perform adjustments to ensure the frames feel perfect on your ears and nose.

3. No Skin Irritation

While over-the-counter cheaters might appear high-quality at first, they’re often made with low-grade materials like nickel alloys. These metals can irritate your skin, trigger an allergic reaction, and even cause discoloration. By investing in prescription eyeglasses, you can customize them so they won’t hurt your skin.

4. Eye Exam

It’s not uncommon for people’s eye prescriptions to change over time. However, some people choose to purchase drugstore glasses to save a trip to the optometrist’s office. If you always get your eyeglasses from the pharmacy area of the supermarket, you’ll miss out on the chance for early detection of cataracts and other eye diseases.

If you need new glasses, turn to the professionals at Pal Optical in Lexington, KY. The eye clinic has been in business for 60 years and provides eye care services for patients of all ages. They carry a selection of over 1,500 frames, including designer brands like Calvin Klein® and Ray-Ban®, so you’re sure to find a pair of glasses you like. To learn more about their services, call (859) 266-3003 or visit their website.