The need to wear contacts or eyeglasses is common. At some point in their adult lives, most people are prescribed glasses and/or contacts. A persona's vision typically stabilizes in early adulthood, but that doesn't mean vision changes are done for good. Sometime after age 40, it is common to experience a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition that describes the eye focusing issues associated with the hardening of the eyes' natural lenses. Often, those with presbyopia also have some form of refractive vision error and need bifocal lenses in order to correct for both near and distance vision.
Is It Time to See Your Eye Doctor about Bifocal Lenses?
Many people discover that as they get older, print starts getting harder to read, and they have to hold reading materials further or closer than they used to. If you are experiencing any noticeable vision changes, it is probably a good idea to see your eye doctor in order to get your eyeglasses prescription updated. A thorough exam from a doctor of optometry in Bellevue or Kirkland will determine if Bifocal or trifocal lenses are necessary for you.
Choices in Multi-Focal Lenses
If you do need multi-focal lenses, there are multiple options to consider. While multi-focal contacts exist, most opt to start with glasses. One main decision to be made is whether to opt for line-free progressive lenses or traditional bi focal or tri focal lenses.
The obvious advantage to no line lenses is that there are no lines. Some people are self-conscious and feel like the line in their glasses advertises that they are over 40. Progressive lenses are also generally smaller and are less likely to "take over" your face.
Traditional lenses have their upsides too. It is easier to clarify which part of the lens is used for different types of vision. With standard bi focal lenses, the top area is devoted to distance vision, while the bottom part is reserved to close vision. Lines may be straight across the whole less, of the near vision may have a smaller rounded area. If you need help with intermediate vision as well as near vision and distance vision, you may be prescribed trifocal eyeglasses that can assure you have full use of your vision for all you need to do.
The need for bifocal lenses is a sign of aging, whether we like to admit it or not. It is also a sign to start paying attention to our vision again. Age is a risk factor for things like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
If you are over the age of 40 and you haven't seen an eye doctor lately, it's time to come into Overlake EyeCare, P.S. in Bellevue or Kirkland. Contact us at 425-643-2020 to schedule an appointment.
