If you find yourself holding books, menus or newspapers at arm’s length to make the letters clear, it’s possible your eyes are suffering from presbyopia. Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, but it’s different from astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, which are related to the shape of the eyeball. Presbyopia is believed to stem from a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside the eye. The condition commonly begins when people are in their mid-40s and progresses until around age 65. Many find it another obstacle that comes with aging.
Fortunately, this condition can be corrected or treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. A thorough eye exam at JJ Eyes can confirm presbyopia, and our optometrists will guide you in planning the treatment of your vision disorder. Popular corrective options for presbyopia (and other vision problems) are bifocal, multifocal, or progressive contact lenses, which are designed to provide clearer vision to those suffering from this condition.
Bifocals have two points of focus that are prescribed to aid with near and far vision. Multifocal lenses contain two or more prescriptions for correcting vision at different distances, especially as people age.
Progressive contact lenses are multifocals with a graduated change in the lens powers offering a smooth visual transition between multiple prescriptions. With no visible line separating the different prescriptions, progressive lenses closely mimic natural vision by eliminating the need to hold your head in uncomfortable positions just to look at your computer or gaze across the room.
Regardless of your age or health status, routine eye exams are extremely important. JJ Eyes offers comprehensive eye exams in which our optometrists check your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts, test for common eye diseases, and evaluate your eyes as an indicator to your overall health. We’d love to talk to you about the different options for vision correction, and help you find the best method for your individual needs.