QI've never worn glasses, but lately I'm having trouble reading. Do I have to go to the eye doctor, or can I just pick up a pair of those over-the-counter eyeglasses?

AIt's normal to squint when you're looking at the sun or medication warning labels. But if you're over 40 and having trouble making out the words here or always opt for large-print books and magazines, then yep, it's time you twirled the display rack to find which frames look best. Reading glasses are easy and inexpensive and can help make a page in a book look like a billboard. But even if a cheap pair clears the blur, your eyes could be sending the message that something is wrong, so see an ophthalmologist or optometrist at least every two years (and call him immediately or go to the casualty ward with sudden vision changes). But don't fret: most of us experience vision changes as we age. Your newfangled specs – and the fact that you knew enough to get help – may merely be signs of your oldfangled wisdom.