Magnifying glasses do not work but reading glasses do. The lights with the magnifier attached, or magnifier you hang on your neck, the plastic magnifier you rest on your page, all that -- you have to hold the item close or far enough to the glass to make it work.
Reading glasses, on the other hand, come in several strengths and one will work for you. I have 20/20 vision but have found and my eye Dr. confirmed 1.75 strength works for me.