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Vision after Forty… "My Arms Aren't Long Enough"

People over forty years old eventually experience increased blurred vision when doing close work. They find that any close work has to be held farther away before it is clear. This is due to the weakening of the focusing muscles and the loss of flexibility of the focusing lens within our eyes. This condition is called PRESBYOPIA.

Both the focusing muscle weakness and lens inflexibility make it harder to see near work. Additionally, people will notice that more light is needed to see near work, focusing from distance to near takes longer and the eyes get tired sooner in the day.

Currently, Presbyopia cannot be prevented or reversed. This is something that happens to everyone over the age of forty; it's only a question of when each person notices it. There is nothing wrong with health of the eyes. There are, however, various ways to compensate for the condition.

1. Removal of current glasses
   With certain types of glasses prescription, simply removing the glasses will restore clear near vision.
   
   
2. Reading glasses
   With certain types of glasses prescription and those who have little or no distance prescription, removal of current glasses does not clear the near vision and separate prescription reading glasses are needed to improve near vision.
   
   
3. Bifocal/Trifocal glasses
   The lenses have a top portion power for distance vision, middle portion power for mid-range vision and bottom portion power for near vision, with each portion separated by distinct lines.
   
   
4. Multifocal/Progressive glasses
   These lenses are the contemporary version of bifocal/trifocal lenses. There are no visible lines separating the distance, mid-range and near vision zones.
   
   
5. Contact lenses
   There are different contact lens designs and concepts to correct the distance, mid-range and near vision without having to wear any glasses. A wide variety of materials allow for flexible wearing schedules.
   
   
6. Corrective Eye Surgery
   Various methods of laser eye surgery and lens implants are available to give distance, mid-range and near vision without using glasses or contact lenses.

Your Calgary Optometry Centre Optometrist can perform a thorough examination to determine a Presbyopia solution that is best for your vision needs and lifestyle. Call us to make an appointment if you need Presbyopic help.