Can you buy over-the-counter glasses for nearsightedness?
The over-the-counter (OTC) eyeglasses you can buy in a drug store (also called readers or reading glasses) are designed to correct age-related loss of near vision (called presbyopia), which we all get, usually as we enter our 40s. Presbyopia is usually balanced, which means the prescription is the same for both eyes. But nearsightedness (myopia) is often unbalanced and can appear with astigmatism (abnormally shaped corneas), which complicates the prescription. So selling OTC glasses for nearsightedness would be nearly impossible as prescriptions vary too widely from person to person.
Therefore, in order to properly correct nearsightedness, you need an eye exam and a personalized eyeglass prescription from your ophthalmologist or other eye care professional.
Our ophthalmologists have answered thousands of questions about eye diseases and conditions. Search our entire Ask an Ophthalmologist collection to find the answers you need.Read our important medical disclaimer.You can also browse by topic to see how physicians answered questions about a specific eye condition:
Ask a New Question
Not every question will receive a direct response from an ophthalmologist. However, we will follow up with suggested ways to find appropriate information related to your question. Medical disclaimer
By submitting your question, you agree to be answered by email. Your email address will only be used to answer your question unless you are an Academy member or are subscribed to Academy newsletters.
Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision.
All content on the Academy’s website is protected by copyright law and the Terms of Service. This content may not be reproduced, copied, or put into any artificial intelligence program, including large language and generative AI models, without permission from the Academy.