Presbyopia

Around 40 years of age, everyone begin to have issues with their reading vision. It becomes harder and harder to focus up close. You may find yourself moving objects farther out, because up close they are blurry. This is called presbyopia.

As we age, the lenses in our eyes continue to grow and becomes harder and more inflexible. There are small ligaments which pull the lens to focus our vision when we are looking at objects up close. Around 40 years of age, the lens has become so thick that the ligaments are unable to pull the lens enough to focus the images up close. This process happens to everyone, but there are many options to help.

Symptoms of Presbyopia

Symptoms of presbyopia is when you find that you are having to hold reading materials farther away at an arm’s length to be able to focus them properly. Eyestrain, fatigue and headaches can also be common symptoms as well. Difficulty with the computer can also occur.

Progressive Addition Lenses and Lined Bifocals/Trifocals

There are many different ways to treat presbyopia. The best way to correct presbyopia is a progressive addition lens also known as a no-line bifocal or trifocal. The top part of the lens contains your distance prescription and the lower portion contains the bifocal power for focusing up close. There is a middle range as well which can help you on the computer and dashboard. Our doctors and or eyewear consultant will discuss which type of lens is the choice for you. Lined bifocals and trifocals work the same way and are also available. For people who do not need glasses for seeing in the distance, the doctor will prescribe you the proper power of reading glasses.

Multi-vision and Bifocal Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are an option as well for presbyopes. There are many good soft and rigid gas permeable multi-vision and bifocal contact lenses available. These are contact lenses which combine both the distance and near powers in one lens. There are two basic groups of design for these lenses. The first type is called alternating or translating vision because you alternate between the two powers, as your gaze shifts upward or downward similar to wearing bifocal glasses. The second type is simultaneous vision lenses. They require your eye to be looking through both distance and near powers at the same time. Your brain learns to select the correct power choice depending on how close or far you're trying to see.

Monovision Contact Lenses

Additionally, there is monovision in contact lens wear. This is where one eye is set for the distance and the other eye is set for near vision. Over a few weeks, the brain adapts to this difference and allows for clear vision in the distance and up close.

Call our office at 765-348-2020 to schedule your appointment with one of our doctors.