http://www.nbc4.com/news/16325763/detail.html


"Glasses are a necessity for millions of Americans. Each year, more and more folks -- especially those over the age of 40 -- turn to reading glasses.

Since good reading glasses can be expensive, many people choose over-the-counter glasses sold at drugstores instead of prescription lenses.

"I had never worn glasses, and I'm not wearing glasses. I don't have contact lenses. I don't wear glasses as a walking around kind of thing or a regular thing. I only need glasses to read," said Linda Bernback.

An avid reader and editor, Bernback started having trouble telling the difference between commas and periods not long after she turned 50.

The problem Bernback started having with her eyes is not uncommon, said Dr. Andrea Thau of the American Optometric Association in Manhattan.

"Mother Nature wants you to get your eyes checked. That's the reason why you need glasses around age 40. That's when you have a greater likelihood of having certain eye problems and diseases like glaucoma," she said.

But many people skip the doctor and turn to over-the-counter glasses.

"Over-the-counter glasses are not suitable for everyone. Many people have differences in prescription between their two eyes, many people have a stigmatism, which these glasses don't correct for and other patients have trouble with eye coordination issues, which the glasses do not address," Thau said.

Thau said people also run the risk of not choosing the lenses that are best for their eyes."