If you can go the over-the-counter route, here are some tips.

• Find the right power. Reading glasses will have signs or stickers noting their power. In most cases, they range from +1 to +4 diopter, in increments of +.25. Look for what matches your prescription. If you don’t have a prescription, try the lowest power (+1) first.
• Test-drive the glasses. If you’ve brought reading material with you, try reading it at a comfortable length. (Many eyeglass displays have an eye chart, too, to test the glasses.) Try different powers until you can read clearly at a distance that’s most comfortable for you.
• Go big the first time. While there are many styles and colors to choose from, you may want to start your reading glass journey with a bigger pair of specs. Larger lenses offer more of a “sweet spot” where the prescription is. It’s easier to use a smaller lens once you get used to wearing glasses.