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Reading addition, or ADD, is the extra plus power added for near tasks like reading and phone use. It shows up on prescriptions for bifocals, progressives, and many multifocal contacts. The number matches how much near help you need, not your distance power. ADD often increases as close focus gets harder.
read more about reading addition (ADD) ...ADD is written as a plus number, such as +1.25 or +2.00. It is added to your distance prescription for near vision. In progressives, the lens blends from distance to near, but the ADD still sets the near strength. For bifocals, the ADD sets the reading segment power.
Most people start needing near help in the 40s as the natural lens stiffens. Signs include holding the phone farther away and needing brighter light to read. Dry eyes can make near blur worse, so symptoms can feel stronger late in the day. An eye exam can confirm if ADD is the right fix.
Progressives use the ADD to build a smooth change from distance to near. Bifocals use it for a clear reading zone. Many multifocal contacts also use an ADD style, but the lens design is different from glasses. Your eye doctor picks the best match based on your daily tasks.
If you use over-the-counter readers, the ADD number is a good starting point for strength. Still, readers do not fix astigmatism, so vision may not feel sharp if cylinder is part of your Rx. Use good lighting and keep reading distance steady to reduce strain. If near blur keeps showing up, a prescription reader can feel much better.
It means your near vision needs two diopters of extra plus power on top of your distance correction. This helps bring close text into focus. Your distance numbers stay the same.
Often it matches, but not always. One eye can need a slightly different ADD based on vision balance. Your prescription lists the final numbers for each eye.
Yes, it often increases gradually as near focus gets harder. Regular eye exams help track changes. If near blur jumps fast, book a visit sooner.
Yes. Many multifocal contacts are labeled with an ADD level, such as low, medium, or high. The exact match depends on your prescription and how the lens fits your eye.
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