Presbyopia

The eye has an internal lens that provides us with a variable-focusing and auto-focusing mechanism allowing us almost unlimited focusing ability from distance to very near objects.

After age 40, the flexibility of the lens decreased to the point that near object focusing becomes increasingly more difficult. After age 50, virtually all adults need some form of near correction aid.

Treatment With Glasses:

Even though everyone will suffer the presbyopic (old eye) consequences of aging, there are a variety of treatments to get us all through this period. If your distance vision is good with no spectacle correction, a simple pair of reading glasses may be all that you will need for your near tasks. If you currently require glasses to help you with clear distance vision, multifocal lenses in the form of a standard “lined” bifocal, or one of the newer progressive or “line-free” lenses. There are benefits and disadvantages to both types of multifocal lenses, and the doctors at Lake Stevens Vision Clinic will help you choose the best lens style for your lifestyle and work environment.

Treatment With Contact Lenses:

If you are currently wearing some type of corneal contact lenses, either rigid gas permeable or soft lenses, you may be able to a “monovision” approach to presbyopic treatment. The “monovision” contact lens fitting procedure replaces one of your current contact lenses with a modified power to allow you to see clearly at near distances. This technique is well accepted by 80% of current contact lens wearers, but there is never a guarantee that you will be successful until your optometric physician performs a trial contact lens fitting. If you have questions regarding “monovision”, just ask your doctor at your next eye examination visit.