People over 40 years of age often begin to notice that they have difficulty seeing objects up close. Oftentimes, they assume that their only option is to get a prescription for eyeglasses from optometrist professionals in Victoria, BC. While eyeglasses provide a fantastic solution for many people, the members of the Victoria Optometric Association want you to know that contact lenses can be a good choice as well. To understand why, let's take a look at why you may need corrective lenses in the first place.
Why Do People Over 40 Often Need Corrective Lenses?
Between the ages of 40 and 50, it is common for people to develop a condition known as presbyopia. Presbyopia occurs when the lens of the eye hardens and loses some of its elasticity. It is then no longer able to properly focus the light from nearby objects directly onto the retina. Instead, the light is focused behind the retina, which causes the objects to appear blurry.
Thankfully, the condition is easily remedied by wearing corrective eyeglasses, which curve the light entering your eye in a way that allows it to focus on the retina again. An optometrist in Victoria can likewise give you a prescription for corrective contact lenses.
Contact Lens Options: Monovision and Multifocals
There are two main types of contacts available for correcting presbyopia: monovision contacts and multifocal contacts.
People with presbyopia who use monovision contact lenses wear one contact lens for distance vision (usually in their dominant eye) and one contact lens for near vision (usually in their non-dominant eye). It may sound difficult to get used to wearing two different types of lenses, but most people are able to quickly adapt to monovision contacts and enjoy clear near vision as a result.
Multifocal contact lenses, on the other hand, correct distance and near vision in each eye. Similar to progressive eyeglasses, multifocal contacts contain both the prescription for near vision and the prescription for distance vision on different parts of the lens. They range in design from bifocals, which have a sharp distinction between the near and distance prescription, to lenses with gradual gradients for a smoother and more natural transition. Multifocal contacts tend to offer better depth perception.
Be Smart with Screen Time
In this digital world, screens are a near-constant entity. But the constant exposure can have real-world consequences for our eyes. Computers, phones, tablets, and televisions are all guilty of causing eye problems.
It's a good idea to take protective measures when using screens over a long period. Anti-reflective and blue light filtering glasses can help with the damage that comes from screens. Frequent breaks can prevent fatigue
Ask an Optometrist in Victoria About Contact Lenses Today
If you've noticed a change in your vision and you are interested in contact lenses, then you can start by scheduling an appointment for an eye exam with a professional optometrist. When you go for an eye exam in Victoria, your optometrist will be able to let you know if contacts are a good option for you depending on factors such as your lifestyle and the health of your eyes.
The best way to find optometrist professionals in Victoria, BC is through the Victoria Optometric Association. Our dedicated members are committed to providing the highest standard of vision care using all of the latest technology. Take a look at our list of members and choose a clinic that is located near you.