When should I get bifocals?
Perich Eye Centers
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Perich Eye Centers 〰️
As we age, it's natural for our eyesight to change. Many people experience a gradual decline in their ability to see objects up close, which can make reading, working on a computer, and even cooking more difficult. Bifocals are a type of corrective lens that can help people with presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, see clearly both up close and at a distance. But when is the right time to get bifocals?
In this blog post, we'll explore the signs that you might need bifocals, the different types of bifocals available, and what to expect when you first start wearing them. Whether you're a longtime glasses wearer or considering bifocals for the first time, this guide will help you make an informed decision about when to take the leap.
What are the signs you should consider bifocals?
There are several signs that you may need bifocals. Of course the first thing you already need is a prescription to see distance. If you have clear vision far away then these signs can help you identify if you need reading glasses. Without the need for corrective lenses for distance, you simply don’t need a bifocal. These are the signs to observe:
Difficulty reading small print: If you find yourself holding books or menus at arm's length to read the print, or if you're constantly adjusting the distance between your eyes and the page, you may be experiencing presbyopia.
Eye strain: When you strain your eyes to see clearly, it can cause headaches, fatigue, and even neck and shoulder pain.
Blurred vision at certain distances: Presbyopia can make it difficult to focus on objects at different distances. You may find that your vision is blurry when looking at things up close or far away.
Needing to remove your glasses to read: If you wear glasses for distance vision but have to take them off to read, this can be a sign of presbyopia.
Squinting: When you squint, you're trying to make the image you're looking at clearer. This can be a sign that you need bifocals or another type of corrective lens.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's important to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. We can perform an eye exam and determine if bifocals or another type of corrective lens is right for you. Click here to see which Perich Eye Center is closest to you in Central Florida.
What are the benefits of bifocals?
Bifocals are a type of eyeglasses that have lenses with two distinct optical powers. The lower portion of the lens corrects near vision, while the upper portion corrects distance vision. Some benefits of bifocals include:
Improved visual acuity: Bifocals can help people with presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) to see clearly at both near and far distances without having to switch between two pairs of glasses.
Convenience: Bifocals eliminate the need to constantly switch between two pairs of glasses, making them a more convenient option for people who need vision correction for both near and far distances.
Better posture: Bifocals can also help improve posture, as people do not need to tilt their heads or necks to see things clearly at different distances.
Customizable: Bifocals can be customized to meet the specific vision needs of an individual, making them a highly personalized vision correction option.
Cost-effective: Bifocals can be a cost-effective option for people who need both near and far vision correction, as they eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses.
Plus then you are less likely to loose either pair- it’s hard enough to find your glasses when they are not on your face already! Most people get bifocals as soon as they realize they need to add readers to minimize the need to carry around multiple pairs.
Are there bifocal contacts?
Yes, there are bifocal contact lenses available for people who need both distance and near vision correction. These lenses are called multifocal contact lenses or bifocal contact lenses. Like bifocal eyeglasses, multifocal contact lenses have different powers in different areas of the lens to correct for both near and far vision.
Multifocal contact lenses can be further classified into two types: simultaneous vision lenses and segmented lenses. Simultaneous vision lenses allow the wearer to see both near and far objects at the same time, but some people may experience blurred vision or visual disturbances with these lenses. Segmented lenses, on the other hand, provide clear vision for both near and far distances but require the wearer to look through different areas of the lens for each type of vision.
It is important to note that fitting for multifocal contact lenses is more complex than for single-vision contacts, and it may take some time to adjust to the new lenses. An eye doctor can help determine if multifocal contact lenses are a suitable option for an individual and can guide them through the fitting process.
Many contact wearers choose to stick with readers when they do not have a strong prescription yet in those. They can find it easier to stick with what they have and like than to switch. However it really is a personal preference and we are happy to go over all your options with you to test thing out until you find what you enjoy best. In Florida, contacts are a great option as wanting to wear sunglasses so many days out of the year makes it more convenient.
Contact us today to see what options you may have and how each can work for you!
