Analyzing Eyeglass Styles For Near Vision
First let’s talk about that big word presbyopia. Yes, it comes with that “Big 4 - 0″. That’s right, by the time most of us reach the young age of forty, we are feeling the effects of presbyopia.
Presbyopia is defined as the loss of accommodative ability. This means that the inside of your eye has lost some elasticity that it uses to adjust focus from near to far. The process is an ongoing event, the fact is that we only start to notice it right around the age of 40. The condition called presbyopia catches us all, so don’t stress to much about it.
The one thing that will be different is the type of eyeglasses or contact lenses you will need to wear. If you have never worn any vision correction prior to becoming presbyopic, or if you wear contact lenses to correct for distance vision, the simplest thing you can do is get yourself a set of reading glasses. Just search online for them and you will find a bunch of options ready to give you your near vision back.
Reading glasses are designed specifically for up close vision. Do not attempt to drive while wearing them, the distance will be blurry. If you find you can see better in the distance with reading glasses, chances are you are slightly farsighted and may reduce headaches and eye strain if you get prescription eyewear.
For those that currently wear glasses, you have options between bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses. The names are fairly self explanatory.
A bifocal has to powers in the lens. The top portion is for distance, or in the case of some reading sunglasses, the top portion has not power. And the lower portion of the lens has a power that allows you to read clearly. This way, when wearing bi-focal eyeglasses will provide clear vision in multiple areas. When you look straight ahead, you can see in the distance clearly and as you glance down, you can see clearly up close.
A trifocal uses the same concept except it has three overall lens powers. One for distance at the top. One power for intermediate or computer vision in the middle, and the very bottom has a reading power for up close work.
And then there is the progressive lens. These lenses take the effect of the trifocal, and blend all the powers together. What you have is a top portion of the lens that provides clear distance and as your eye gradually scans down the lens more reading power is added. The progressive lens is very popular today among presbyopes who wear glasses.
To be fit with most any of these lens styles, you will want to visit a qualified optician. They will measure your eyes, analyze your eyeglass prescription, help you pick a frame that will work and look good. And then put all the pieces together to give you a pair of glasses that will satisfy all your reading needs.
So don’t worry about presbyopia, it happens to everyone. Start with a simple pair of low power reading glasses. If you find you need something a little more custom, visit the optician. You have more choices in eyewear than you could ever imagine.