Vision Needs
Multifocal
Presbyopia, Greek for "aging eye," is caused by the natural aging
and hardening of the eye's crystalline lens, a transparent body in the
front of the eye that serves to focus light rays on the retina. As
people reach their 40s, the crystalline lens grows thicker and begins
to lose its elasticity. Gradually, the eye muscle control diminishes
and people find it increasingly difficult to focus on near objects.
Besides blurred vision, signs include eye strain and the tendency to
hold reading materials farther away.
Contact lenses
can correct this condition with bifocal/multifocal lenses or
monovision. Bifocal/multifocal lenses contain two or more kinds of
correction by providing the wearer with simultaneous distant and near
vision. Monovision is a contact lens fitting technique where one lens
is prescribed for distance and the other for close-up vision. Both eyes
work together to bring objects into focus. Your brain must interpret
images you see and learns to select the sharpest image. Monovision has
proven successful for people with mild cases, usually those in early
stages of presbyopia. Most patients adapt after some practice. All
CooperVision soft contact lenses are compatible with this fitting
technique.
For high presbyopic prescriptions,
generally for patients 50 and over, eyeglasses may be the best
corrective lens. Eyeglass types include reading glasses, bifocals,
trifocals, progressive lenses and specialty lenses. Consult your eye
care professional.
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