It is usual after the age of 40 to find your near focus is becoming more difficult. At this stage you would have developed an unpreventable condition called presbyopia. This is where you gradually lose your near focusing ability with age. If you aren’t already wearing glasses this may be a frightening reality but there are many options depending on your lifestyle and visual requirements.
So what options are there to enable you to still see that restaurant menu or continue your hobby of knitting?
Readers
These will only be able to provide you with clear near vision. This is because the lens only allows you to focus at one particular working distance, usually 40cm. This would be ideal if you are wanting to complete near tasks for long periods of time such as reading, knitting or sewing. Remember that distance objects may appear blurry through your readers so you will need to take them off to look into the distance.
Bifocals
Bifocals consist of two lenses, one which allows you to see in the distance and the other up close. At around 50 years of age when you have lost most of your near focusing ability it can make intermediate objects blurry. This is where a third portion is added to provide an intermediate correction. These are called trifocal lenses and are helpful with tasks such as working on a computer.
As simple as bifocals and trifocals sound, they can cause an image jump effect. This is due to shift in power of the near segment. There is a dividing line on the lens which can be seen in the public eye as a sign of ageing. This can make bifocals and trifocals cosmetically unappealing to some wearers. Despite this the dividing line helps guide the wearer on where to look and provides a large reading zone.
Progressives
Instead of placing different lenses together as is the case with bifocals and trifocals, progressives are one lens that provides continuous vision at all distances. This is due to a smooth increase in power from distance to near through the intermediate zone.
The design of the lens can cause a slight ‘swim’ effect in the periphery of the lens. This may initially be disconcerting but after learning how to use them correctly your eyes quickly adapt with the lenses appearing clear and comfortable.. Unlike bifocals and trifocals there is no dividing line or image jumps due to the smooth transition in power through the lens., thus creating the most natural type of vision for those over 40 years.
The adjustment period
As with any change in prescription it requires time for your eyes to adjust and progressives are no different. Don’t be afraid to give them a go and following these steps will make the adjustment process easier:
· Wear your glasses as much as you can – this gives your visual system a better chance to adjust to the new lenses.
· Practice moving your head to see objects in your periphery – if you just move your eyes you may experience blur through the edge of the lens. It is a good rule of thumb to point your nose directly at what you wish to look at.
· Practice getting used to where your head should be when performing different visual tasks – If you are wanting to read keep your chin up and lower your eyes. If you are walking up or down stairs remember to drop your chin, so you are looking through the top portion of the lens.
If you still have queries about these lens options book in for a comprehensive eye examination or feel free to drop in and discuss your visual requirements with one of our friendly team. The success of any pair of glasses is not just dependent on the prescription, but also the lens quality and technology along with the frame fit and adjustment.
We are always here to help and aim to give you the best vision possible.