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If you are over the age of 40 and experiencing difficulty seeing objects up close, you may have presbyopia—a common, age-related condition in which the eye’s natural lens gradually loses its ability to focus on near objects. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and affects the majority of adults beginning in their early forties. Individuals with presbyopia often notice the need to hold reading materials, such as newspapers or books, at arm’s length to see clearly. While reading glasses with bifocal or multifocal (progressive) lenses are a traditional solution, they are not the only option available.
For those who prefer not to wear reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials. These lenses offer greater freedom and convenience, allowing clear vision in all directions—up, down, and to the sides—without the need to adjust your head position as you would with progressive glasses.
Monovision is another contact lens strategy for presbyopia. In this approach, one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for distance vision, while the other is corrected for near vision. Some variations, known as modified monovision, combine a single vision lens in one eye with a multifocal lens in the other to enhance intermediate vision. Your eye care professional will determine the best configuration for your needs.
Contact lenses can be an excellent option for managing presbyopia, offering both visual clarity and convenience. Many people prefer contact lenses over reading glasses for aesthetic and practical reasons. To explore the best solution for your lifestyle and vision needs, consult with your eye care provider about the full range of contact lens options available.