Category: Presbyopia

Visual Stress and Technology

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A study published by the New York Times in 2009 revealed adults are exposed to screens – TV, cell phones, computers, etc. – roughly eight and a half hours on any given day.

Even the smallest uncorrected prescription can cause problems at the computer. This is especially true if you happen to be far-sighted or have astigmatism, due to the excessive focusing required to maintain a clear image.
Dry eyes and poor tear quality can cause blur and eye discomfort. We tend to blink less often when viewing the computer allowing the tears to evaporate.

Some solutions to eyestrain at the computer or with other digital devices  include a correction specific for the task. For example, a pair of computer glasses designed with optimal correction at the distance to the digital display and including appropriate coatings and tints to reduce strain and improve efficiency.

Reducing glare from overhead lights and windows will minimize squinting. Simply adjusting the screen position, closing window blinds and decreasing the wattage of a desk lamp will reduce glare. To see an earlier post with more details click here.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

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I have attended 2 interactive evenings sponsored by 2 different contact lens manufacturers in the last 2 months. Both companies were promoting their soft multifocal contact lens products. Each lens type appears to offer something different.

I was able to gleen some tips that I think will improve patient success in the lenses. I am feeling more optimistic about soft multifocal contact lenses. A multifocal contact lens is designed to improve the close vision and make near tasks easier while wearing contact lenses. This is important for someone experiencing presbyopic changes and finding themselves pushing the newspaper farther away or reaching for reading glasses more frequently. The challenge with the lenses has been trying to achieve good near vision without decreasing the distance vision.

The other advantage of the newer multifocal contact lenses is they are available in the silicone hydrogel (sihy) material. The sihy material allows more oxygen to reach the cornea, less protein to deposit and better daily comfort.

To add to the excitement, a new daily use multifocal has just hit the market. I think this will help include the patients who wear their lenses intermittently or who can only wear a lens once because of comfort issues.

Click here to read more about the rigid gas permeable  multifocal contact lens designs.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

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Yes, there is such as thing as bifocal contact lenses. Actually there are several different types of lenses. The rigid gas permeable multifocals provide the clearest, most stable vision. These lenses are custom designed and manufactured. Ocular health is excellent and so is the vision. Recent advancements in soft multifocals offer great comfort at most distances. The soft multifocal options include several different lens materials including the newer silicone hydrogel. They are also available for planned replacement, usually 2 weeks or 1 month, increasing convenience. Both types of contact lens multifocals minimize dependency on reading glasses.

A study published in the Optometry Visual Science journal showed that 7 out of 10 contact lens patients prefer multifocals over monovision.  Many people are successful in monovision, one eye corrected for distance and the other eye compromised for near tasks. But others struggle with the disparity between the eyes, especially driving at night and working at the computer.

Multifocal contact lenses are an alternative to monovision or using reading glasses over contact lenses.

The above pictures show some of the different rigid gas permeable multifocal options. Certain designs work better for particular tasks. For example a lens design emphasizing distance clarity is indicated if you do a lot of driving , but  if you spend most of the day in front of a computer screen you will need a lens with a large intermediate zone. If  bifocal contact lenses are something you would like to try, give the office a call or make sure to ask about it at your next visit.

Presbyopia

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Have you ever been in a restaurant trying to decide what to order? The lights are dim, you are practically burning up the menu manipulating it around the candle for more light… Or how about trying to hook up wires behind the TV or computer, can’t find the right hook-up? The above situations make presbyopia seem like an acute condition. Things that looked OK at the kitchen table by the window don’t seem as clear in the dark or when you are tired.

Presbyopia is the result of an aging process on the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light at all distances without much effort for the first forty plus years of our lives. Then kablamo…you can’t see to remove a sliver from your child’s finger.

Denial is the most common response. Eventually, presbyopia interferes with work. You find yourself switching numbers or getting  headaches at the computer. Your over-all efficiency is diminished and your frustration is elevated. Sometimes a pair of reading glasses will solve the problem. Depending on your prescription and how you use your eyes, multifocals offer clear vision at multiple distances. Contact lens wearers can try monovision (an adjustment in the correction of one lens) or bifocal contact lenses.

Just know that you are not in this alone, my presbyopic eyes and I are here ready to help you. Stop struggling and let’s find a solution.