If you're highly nearsighted, chances are you have some trouble seeing objects up close. But as you age, you may start to notice that even with correction, focusing on small print, smartphones and the menu at the local diner is pretty difficult. This is due to a condition called presbyopia, which happens to everyone as they age. Thankfully, there are a few different treatments available for presbyopia that don't require wearing traditional reading glasses.
Bifocal Contact Lenses
Bifocal contact lenses are similar to bifocal glasses in that they have two prescriptions in one lens. The top part of the lens is for distance vision, while the bottom part is for up-close vision. They work by allowing your eyes to focus on objects at varying distances. Bifocal contact lenses are typically made with soft lens materials and can be found in both disposable and extended wear options.
One thing to keep in mind with bifocal contact lenses is that they take a little bit of adjustment. Some people may find that the line dividing the two prescriptions can be distracting, while others find that the bottom part of the lens doesn't provide enough magnification for reading.
Monovision Contact Lenses
Monovision contact lenses are a bit different than bifocal lenses. Instead of having two prescriptions in one lens, they have one distance prescription in one eye and one near prescription in the other eye. This way, your brain works to blend the images together and create good vision for all distances. Many people find that monovision is a good option for them, especially those who have trouble adjusting to bifocal lenses.
The downside to monovision contact lenses is that, like bifocal lenses, there is a bit of an adjustment period. You may also find that your depth perception is affected by this type of correction.
Bifocal Night Driving Glasses
In addition to bifocal and monovision contact lenses, there are bifocal night driving glasses. These glasses work by providing distance vision at the top of the lens, while the bottom part of the lens has a yellow tint to help with night driving. The yellow tint helps to reduce glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights and other sources of light while driving. This can be especially helpful for people who have a hard time seeing while driving at night, but don't necessarily need correction for reading.
Choosing the Right Option for You
If you're struggling with presbyopia and are looking for an alternative to traditional reading glasses, bifocal contact lenses, monovision contact lenses, and bifocal night driving glasses may be good options for you. It's important to work with an eye doctor to determine what type of correction is best for your eyes, as everyone's vision needs are different. Additionally, it's important to note that these options may take some time to get used to and adjust to, but with patience and practice, you can find the right solution for your vision needs.