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With cooler weather and shorter days approaching we will be doing more reading and computer activities, so we thought that we would address a common problem.

Why is it getting harder to read small print?

The answer is presbyopia, a “progressive reduction in the eye's ability to focus, with consequent difficulty in reading at the normal distance, associated with aging. It . . . is due to age-related loss of elasticity of the lens.” (Encarta)

Ugh—it’s that age thing again! By our mid-40’s most of us will start to notice a decrease in our ability to see things close to us. For all of us it means that we eventually need a different prescription to see things far away versus things that are within arm’s length. Unfortunately there is no cure for this problem (sorry, eye exercises will not help) but we have several solutions to help you read clearly. First let’s review the choices in spectacles.

Progressive Multifocals. Sometimes called no-line bifocals/trifocals, progressives are the top choice of spectacle-wearing presbyopes. These lenses have your distance correction for driving and walking in the upper central portion of the lens. As you look down from the center of the lens you can gradually see closer and closer up to a normal reading distance. Unlike traditional bifocals and trifocals, progressive lenses have no visible lines making them more cosmetically appealing.

Lined Bifocals. With a thin line dividing the distance prescription from the reading prescription, bifocal lenses are good for those who prefer a wider reading area and do not mind the sudden change from distance to near. Lined trifocals have three sections which permit clear vision at distance, at near and in between.

Single vision lenses. Single vision reading glasses allow you to only see things close to you. For those who do not need a distance correction, this means they simply look above their reading glasses or remove them for distance. Some patients prefer reading glasses that are separate from their single vision distance glasses. This is less convenient than having progressive lenses or bifocals but allows a very large viewing area. Some near-sighted folks can wear single vision distance glasses and remove them to read.

Specialty Lenses. Certain progressive design lenses are made for tasks such as computer work, playing cards, drafting, or playing music. These lenses have a very wide central zone for your intermediate distance so that you can keep your head and eyes straight for your main task. Looking above the center of the lenses, the smaller upper zone will allow you to see about 15 feet away so that you can glance across the room. The lower zone will let you see smaller details at normal reading and writing distances. Sometimes called “computer lenses”, they are great for eliminating neck pain while using the computer but cannot be used for driving.

If you prefer to wear contact lenses here are your options:

Monovision. One eye is corrected for distance and the other eye is corrected for near. This may sound awkward but works very well for many.

Multifocal Contact Lenses. Multifocals have correction for distance and near. Depending upon your prescription and visual needs, they can be a good alternative to monovision and can give you better vision with the computer.

Distance Contact Lenses + Reading glasses. With this system you will have great distance vision with your contacts. For reading you will need to put on glasses. This system gives you the best vision but the least convenience.

What about surgery?

With LASIK and other refractive surgeries it is possible to achieve good distance vision or have permanent monovision with one eye corrected for distance and one for near. You may still need to wear reading glasses occasionally for detailed near tasks. If you are interested in refractive surgery, discuss this with me as I can tell you the pros and cons in your situation.

If you need cataract surgery in both eyes, you can choose to have multifocal implants put in to give you distance and near vision without needing glasses. Medical insurance will cover your cataract surgery but does not cover the additional cost of elective multifocal implants. Some patients choose to have monovision with standard implants at no additional cost. This works very well if you were happy with monovision contact lens correction.

How do I choose?

When you visit our office for your annual exam, we can guide you to a solution that works for your visual needs, preferences, lifestyle and budget. We will help you overcome any visual difficulties that you are experiencing.

As part of our commitment to the community, we have donated $1000 worth of goods and services to the KCPT-19 Auctions in our first year of business. We have also mailed more than fifty $20 Yin Eyecare gift certificates to show our appreciation for new patient referrals. Thank you for your support!

- Cynthia Yin, O.D., Rick & Myla

Our Economic Reform Plan: If you need new glasses, but the budget is tight, ask us about our Package Specials. Our suppliers offer us special pricing with selected frames and lenses and we are able to pass along the savings to you. The frames are good quality and attractive. They are also perfect for back-up glasses and specialty reading glasses. (Prescription and insurance restrictions apply.)