The natural lenses in our eyes are flexible when we are younger, making it easy for our eyes to change focal points. After the age of 40, the lens becomes more rigid and loses flexibility, no longer changing shape as easily or focusing light directly onto the retina.

Starting in your early to mid-40’s, you may notice that you need to hold reading materials or other objects farther away in order to see them clearly. You may have blurred vision at a normal reading distance, or need more light while reading. With the chronic use of computers and cell phones, we are seeing this trend start at earlier ages.

In the early stages of presbyopia, you can make some simple adjustments in order to see better. These include:

• Holding reading materials (books, magazines, menus, digital devices) farther away to make the letters clearer

• Choosing large-print books

• Increasing the level of magnification on your devices

• Use brighter reading lights or move to a brighter location

However, if you do not treat presbyopia, you may develop eye strain (sore and tired eyes), visual fatigue, and headaches. Regular visits to our office can help prevent this discomfort.

If presbyopia is the only cause of your symptoms, a pair of reading glasses may be all you need. You should only use them when doing close-up work, such as reading or sewing.

Our optical shop has a great selection of stylish, affordable readers! Even so, you should have a complete eye exam to determine the power of reading glasses you need.

Since presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, there is no cure. However, there are a wide range of vision correction options available today. Our optical shop carries a wide range of lenses to accommodate presbyopia.

If you already have a refractive error such as nearsightedness (myopia) farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, our doctors may recommend the following treatment options:

• Bifocals: A line (visible or not) divides the lens of these eyeglasses. They contain two lens powers to accommodate vision near and far. The top part of the lens contains the distance prescription, while the bottom part of the lens contains the prescription for near vision.

• Trifocal lenses: These eyeglasses are similar to bifocals, but they contain three lens powers for distance, intermediate, and near vision.

• Progressives: These eyeglasses contain multiple lens powers with a gradual shift between the prescriptions and no bisecting line.

• Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses: Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions in one lens, allowing you to see both near and far. Multifocal lenses have a range of powers in each lens.

• Monovision contact lenses: Each lens has a different prescription, allowing one eye to see objects in the distance clearly, while the other eye can see things up close. Monovision lenses require some time, up to two weeks, for your brain to adapt to this way of seeing. It may impair your ability to judge the distance or speed of objects.

• Laser refractive surgery: If you successfully adapt to monovision contact lenses, you might be a candidate for refractive surgery to achieve monovision. With this procedure, Dr. Logothetis reshapes your corneas to see distance vision with one eye and near vision with the other.

• Topical medications: The FDA approved presbyopia-correcting drops in 2022. This may not be suitable for all patients so it’s important you discuss this at your eye exam.