Dear Rich,

I will make this statement as an Engineer.

I do not know how old you are, but your refractive state is +0.5
diopters
as you state.  The "range" of accommodation (stop-to-stop) reduces
as we get older.  If you "range is 2.5 diopters (let us say), then
you can see clearly through a +0.5 diopter lens, down to
about a distance of about -2 diopters.  ( -2.0 diopters is
a distance of about 20 inches -- or normal reading distance.)

You might take you glasses off and check this.  If at 20 inches
the reading is blurry, then you will need some "plus" to read.

You can obtain a "simple" plus in the drug store off-the-shelf.

You might try a +1.25 diopter lens, and see if that meets
your "near" requirements.

And further, you might check your distance vision on my
site:

www.myopiafree.com

on Eye-Chart #2 and determine your visual acuity
with no plus.

These are easy checks, and do not require OD involvement.

Just "fun" things to do.

To further respond:

Otis> If you Snellen is good, then you need to obtain a "weak" plus,
so that reading or the "computer" are comfortable for you.

Otis> Only YOU can check this -- if you wish.

Best,

Otis

Thank you for the reply. If I were to get bi-focal glasses for computer
use, the prescription would be something like OD, OS 1.5, add 1.00 &
that would yield a 2.5 diopter lower lens to read with?

Thanks,

Rich

Is it 0.5 + 2.00=2.5 diopters

Otis>  That is correct.

(I am not an OD -- but I think they will agree.)

Greetings,

I am primarily Presbyopic & my prescription I OD & OS +0.5; add 2.00. I
have progressive lenses & my question is about the reading strength of
the lenses. Is it 0.5 + 2.00=2.5 diopters or just 2.00 diopters at the
bottom of the lens.
Thanks.

Rich