AboutMitchell Axelrod Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about eye exam findings and procedures, glasses and contact lens types/prescriptions/problems. I can also answer questions about general eye conditions/diseases.
I do not answer questions concerning surgical techniques/procedures.
Please state your age or within a small range when asking questions, as it is often important.
Experience Optometrist 19 yrs.
Education/Credentials Doctor of Optometry, cum laude; Residency in Ocular Disease
Expert: Mitchell Axelrod Date: 6/29/2008 Subject: the use of reading glasses to improve night vision
Question I went to the opthalmologist and have better than 20/20 vison! I do have poor night vision-mostly with glare on wet pavement. The dr wanted me to get reading glasses (+o.75) to help my distance vison even though it is 20/20. Will the reading glasses help?
Answer Hi Bonnie. You don't state your age, and it does matter. The eye doc is thinking probably that you have eyestrain doing a lot of near work, and that your eyes don't fully relax afterwards for clearest distance vision. So the glasses allow the eyes to work less and relax a bit, and don't have to relax as much afterwards for distance vision. It may or may not work, it is controversial. Some people like mild glasses as if they're nearsighted for night driving even though they aren't technically nearsighted, and it often works well. Depending on your tasks, history of near work before the distance task, and age, one or the other would probably work.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, O.D.
