Presbyopia : SOLUTIONS
- Eyeglasses
- Contact Lenses
- Eye Surgery
Precription eyeglasses are the most common and least invasive solution to correcting vision problems. Innovations on eyeglasses such as progressive lenses give people with presbyopia clear vision at all distances.
Advantages
- Generally more affordable than eye surgery and contact lenses in the long run. A single pair can be worn for a long time unti your prescription changes.
- Can provide additional protection from natural elements like wind and dust, and from blue light for people who are often exposed to digital screens.
- More convenient as it requires little cleaning and maintenance than contact lenses.
- Many different options on lens and frames can be worn to express your personality or fashion. Frames can be re-used even if your lens need to be changed if your prescription changes over time.
Disadvantages
- May require adjustments or even pressure on sinuses and ears when not fitted properly.
- Easily fogs up in cold weather or low temperature.
- Lenses can be easily scratched or damaged unless protective lens coating is applied.
Contact lenses are tiny lenses worn 'in contact' with the cornea for visual correction. They perform the same function as eyeglasses but are usually for short-term use. Multifocal contact lenses are also available to correct vision problems due to Presbyopia.
Advantages
- Larger field of view than eyeglasses as contact lenses sit directly on the eyes.
- With contact lenses, peripheral vision is unobstructed and is therefore less restrictive when doing activities.
- An ideal alternative for people who don't prefer eyeglasses such as those with active lifestlye, or in certain professions.
Disadvantages
- If proper lens care is not observed, contact lenses can be prone to infection which may lead to more serious or long-term eye problems.
- Many people find it troublesome to put on contact lenses.
- May be considered inconvenient as it is not advisable to wear them during sleep or when you bathe.
- Contact lenses prescription needs to increase as human eye gets older.
Some surgical options are also available for correcting presbyopia. However, not everyone is suitable for surgery. A comprehensive eye exam with an opthalmologist is required to determine if this is the best solution for you based on your age, eye health, and medical condition.
Advantages
- Considered as a longer-lasting solution for most vision correction problems.
- Ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts who prefer not to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Disadvantages
- Complications from surgery are irreversible
- Potential occurrence of glare, 'halo effect' or dry eyes after surgery.
- You might still need to use glasses for other tasks.
Types of Eyeglasses: Progressive, Bifocal & Reading Glasses
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are designed for close-up work and while they don’t have to be worn all day, their optical power is limited.
The lenses are a standard vision parameter, not measured to your own specific vision needs. While they may help you temporarily, you may feel easily tired when using them for a long time.
Bifocal Glasses
Bifocal lenses consist of two lens segments separated by a visible line. They’re used to correct vision at two distances, including reading distance lost to presbyopia, but they don’t offer the same fluidity as progressive lenses. You have to adjust your position to find the right zone all the time and cope with the lines between the lens segments.
Progressive Lenses
Equipped with a correction power that varies smoothly and seamlessly over the entire surface of the lenses. At the top they adapt to far vision; in the middle, intermediate vision; and at the bottom, near vision. The result is a simple and effective solution to presbyopia and compatible with all visual corrections.
Still not sure which eyeglasses suit you ? Watch the video below
Why progressive Lenses?
Worth the value
Conveniently wear one pair throughout the day
Clear vision at any distance - near, mid, far
Progressive Lenses: Busting the Myths
Myth 1: Progressive lenses are hard to get used to.
Fact: Although there are variations in individuals experience and the time taken to adapt to progressive lenses, most people get used to their lenses within 1 week. The best way to get used to your new lenses are to move your head as well as your eyes when looking sideways, adjust to your glasses by wearing them in a familiar environment and avoid switching back to your old glasses.
Myth 2: To use progressive lenses, I have to tilt my head up and down to use the lens.
Fact: If the progressive lenses are correctly fitted by your optician/optometrist, you should be looking through the correct areas of the lenses in your habitual (usual) natural head and eye movements without awkward head movements.
Myth 3: Once I use progressive lenses, I will have to wear my glasses all the time.
Fact: Most people opt for progressive lenses due to convenience (It has both your far and near prescriptions in one lens) and only when they are needed. You can always opt to remove them or wear them occasionally.
Myth 4: Will I have difficulty walking down steps while wearing the progressive lenses?
Fact: The current progressive lenses are really easy to get used to, and new users should have little difficulty adapting to them. For new wearers, you can tuck in your chin to avoid looking at the reading part of the lenses when walking down steps.
Myth 5: I will have to choose a very big frame for the lenses, as I need more space for reading.
Fact: Newer and modern progressive lenses have been designed to fit into smaller frames to match normal eye movements in these frame styles. Your optician/optometrist can recommend the best lenses for your needs.
Visit Our Experts
It is always better to consult your eyecare professional such as optician/optometrist if you want to know more about Presbyopia and the solutions available to you.