Eyesight tends to change over time, so many seniors can get diagnosed with presbyopia – an age-related eye condition characterized by the inability to focus on near objects.
A systematic review published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology notes that this progressive vision disorder affects an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide. Presbyopia is also reported to be caused by either the weakening of the eye’s ciliary muscles or reduced lens elasticity.
As a form of vision impairment, individuals with age-related presbyopia may struggle with reading and doing other near-vision tasks, such as sewing and using electronic devices. While this can affect their quality of life, the good news is that presbyopia can be corrected through reading glasses.
If you are experiencing signs of presbyopia, such as difficulty seeing finer details at the usual reading distance, this article will explain how reading glasses work and how to choose the right pair for optical correction.
The science behind reading glasses
As previously mentioned, older adults with presbyopia lose the ability to focus clearly on text or objects up close since the eyes’ lenses become less elastic and flexible with age. As a result, they need reading glasses with convex lenses to help with focal point change.
Convex lenses, which are transparent materials that curve outward like a sphere, can converge the rays of light that pass through, thus shortening the focal length and allowing the eyes to focus on near objects. The convex lenses in reading glasses are measured in diopters, with higher diopter values indicating increased magnifying power based on the severity of presbyopia.
In some cases, individuals with presbyopia and other vision problems, like myopia, may be prescribed bifocal or progressive lenses, which contain both convex and concave portions. These lenses allow reading glasses to correct both close-up and distance vision through varying refractions.
Now that you know how reading glasses correct presbyopia, the next section will outline tips for choosing the right pair for your vision and lifestyle needs.
Tips for choosing the right reading glasses
Choose the lens type based on your vision needs
Reading glasses are effective for optical correction as long as you choose the right lens type for your vision needs. When browsing for reading glasses online, you’ll find that the retailer Readers.com offers fully magnifying lenses for different frame styles – like the square-shaped Bayview – as well as for different types of prescriptions. These lens types include single-vision and multifocal lenses, which one can order in any power/strength, typically ranging from +1.00 for mild magnification to +3.75 for stronger presbyopia.
Consider your prescription for the lens shape and size
Lenses for reading glasses can also come in varying shapes and sizes, making it essential to consider your prescription to choose the right lens design. For example, individuals with a weak presbyopia prescription can use smaller, narrow lenses to ensure optimal comfort when wearing glasses. Meanwhile, stronger or multiple prescriptions are more suited for larger, more geometric lens shapes to accommodate the entire prescription and avoid distortion.
Opt for protective filters or coatings
Since you’ll be using reading glasses for everyday tasks like reading and using electronic devices, it’s best to opt for protective lens features. If you have a digital-oriented lifestyle, you can get prescription lenses with blue-violet light filters to minimize screen glare and improve visual comfort. Meanwhile, outdoor-oriented individuals can opt for photochromic lenses like Transitions to seamlessly switch between vision correction and sun protection. According to Transitions Optical, this feature enables the lenses to automatically darken and block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outside.
Prioritize durable frame materials
Whether you use single-vision lenses for mild presbyopia or multifocal lenses for stronger prescriptions, ensure that the frames for your reading glasses are made of durable materials. It may be cheaper to get plastic acetate frames, but opting for metal frame materials like titanium and alloy can better withstand daily wear and tear.
In summary, age-related presbyopia can be managed by wearing reading glasses as a corrective treatment. Additionally, you can also prioritize eye-healthy nutrients in your diet to prevent or delay the progression of vision impairments like presbyopia. As covered in a previous post, spices like green chili are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins A and C, which protect the eyes from oxidative stress and damage to preserve eye health and functioning.
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