As people reach their mid to late 40s, reading and near work become increasingly difficult.   This condition is called Presbyopia .  Presbyopia is a natural consequence of the aging process.  While symptoms can present suddenly, the decrease in focusing ability comes on gradually.  Symptoms include blurry vision, eye strain, fatigue and headaches with reading and near work.  Early on, holding things farther away can help.  Eventually, however, folks come see us and say, "my arms aren't long enough."

Presbyopia can be frustrating.  No one wants to feel "old" and admit that they need bifocals.  The good news is that we have many great options for helping you see clearly again at all distances.

Progressive lenses (“no-line bifocals”)

For many presbyopes, bifocal lenses are a necessity.  Traditional bifocals and trifocals have lines.  Adjusting to them is often difficult.   Most commonly, we recommend progressive lenses.  Progressive lenses have a gradual change in focusing power which allows you to comfortably focus at far, near, and intermediate distances.

Early progressive designs were plagued with distortions and very narrow "sweet spots."  New “free-form” or “digitally surfaced” progressives have 30% wider reading zones and virtually no unwanted distortions.  Digital surfacing allows designers to create lens designs with accuracy in the 1/100th of a diopter, giving much greater customization and control. 

Reading Glasses

Widely available, and often referred to as "cheaters," over-the-counter reading glasses are a basic form of help for presbyopia.  Cheaters work well for many with simple prescriptions.  When people have a lot of astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, simple readers may not help at all. 

Reading glasses have the advantage that they're inexpensive and they have a wide reading area.  However, if you have the need to look between far and near distances quickly, reading glasses must be worn down on the end of the nose.  Some refer to that as the "granny look."  It can work, but it's not for everyone.

Computer Glasses

Eye strain and fatigue are common complaints for computer users of all ages, but especially those with presbyopia.  For many a specialized computer Rx with anti-glare coatings can bring great relief and even increase productivity at work.  They are particularly helpful for those who have multiple screens. 

Computer glasses can be made in any of our fashion frames.  Or you can choose from our Gunnar computer vision glasses by Ziess.  Click here for more information.

Multifocal Contacts

Glasses aren't for everyone.  Would you like to see clearly at far and near without glasses.  Multifocal contact lenses may be the answer!  Talk with your doctor about bifocal contacts today. 

Monovision Correction -- with LASIK or Contact Lenses

Monovision means fitting your dominant eye for distance vision and your non-dominant eye for near vision.  This can be accomplished using contact lenses and even with LASIK.   Most patients require 2-4 weeks to make the adjustment from binocular vision to monovision.  If you're considering monovision LASIK, we strongly recommend a trial fitting period with contacts first, to assess your ability to adapt to monovision.

Multifocal Intra-Ocular Lens Implants

Lens implants used for cataract surgery and clear lens extraction patients are now available as multifocals.  This is the best surgical way to correct vision for both far and near distances.

With so many options, your best first step is to schedule your Annual Vision and Eye Health Exam with Dr. Jeff Broadhead today!