Vision Care Products That Will Help You Meet Your Changing Vision Needs
   by Rhonda Schuff-Robinson, O.D.

As we learned in my previous article, presbyopia is not a disease but just a natural part of the aging process.  The eye care industry has develop several products to help you deal with your changing vision needs.  Good news, if your suffering from the effects of presbyopia, but still want to wear cute eye wear or contact lenses you can! Just read on to find out how.

Spectacle Lens Advancements for Presbyopia

Progressive lenses, also known as invisible bifocals are indeed invisible, but more like a multifocal instead of a bifocal.  There is an infinite number of powers that gradually change from the top of the lens to the bottom so you can focus at all distances instead of just 2 (distance and near). The advantage of no-line is not just a cosmetic one. There is no line to interfere with your vision as you look through the lens.  There are even progressive lenses available in small frames for that trendy young look so you don’t have to look like your mom or dad even though you might sound like them.

Contact Lens Advancements for Presbyopia

The 21st century has also brought us multifocal contact lenses in soft and gas-permeable materials.  This is not monovision where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye is corrected for near.  Multifocal lenses allow you to use your eyes together like they were intended.  There are many designs available, but the most common design is called Simultaneous Vision. This means that the power to see distance and near is present at the same time.  Your brain pays attention to the power it needs to see at the distance you want to be focused.  Let me give you an example: If you look at a chain-link fence, you can pay attention (or focus) to the fence or look through the fence at what’s on the other side. The fence is still there, you don’t pay attention (or focus) to it. You see, you already know how to use your vision selectively. Simultaneous Vision is a new way to use the same mechanism you’ve been using all your life. This design is available in disposable soft lens, conventional soft lens and gas permeable designs. 

You may have presbyopia, but only you and your Optometrist knows for sure.  Contact one of our professionals for more information. ©

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