Presbyopia is a natural physiological process of the eye that usually begins around 40 to 45 years of age. Over time, the inner lens of the eye (the crystalline lens) loses its natural flexibility, which progressively affects the accommodation process, that is, the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, until about age 60. It mainly affects your near (reading) vision.
Presbyopia is completely natural and nothing to worry about. It is an acquired refractive error that is treated with the use of reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses.
Which lenses are right for you?
If you already wear a prescription for a different refractive error and now also need reading glasses, you will want to consider progressive or bifocal lenses.
- Progressive lenses: provide three fields of vision (far, intermediate, and near). Recommended if you spend a lot of time on the computer.
- Bifocal lenses: provide two fields of vision (far and near).
The type of lens that suits you best depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Important recommendations
- Over-the-counter reading glasses are fine for emergencies but not as a permanent solution.
- Use high-quality lenses based on your visual measurements, not only your prescription but also your interpupillary distance and the correct fitting heights for progressive lenses according to the size of the frame you will use.
- Because presbyopia is progressive, you may need to update your reading prescription every 2 to 3 years until about age 60.
- If you have 20/20 vision in both eyes and only need reading glasses, use them for reading only.
If contact lenses interest you, you can also learn about your options in our guide to contact lenses.
Take care of your vision
See a trusted optometrist or ophthalmologist so they can examine your eyes, determine what is happening, and provide effective treatment. At Dr. Reichmann’s clinic in Roatan we offer complete eye exams as part of our eye care services. Book your appointment today and enjoy clear, comfortable near vision.