 | Jon Herrscher
has worked as an optician for nearly 30 years, beginning his career with a part time after school job in a Garden City Optometrist's basement lab where they literally made eyeglasses by hand using a glasscutter & cribber. In 1989, Jon left Kansas for Houston, Texas to teach young opticians the trade, returning to Wichita in 1996 to be closer to family. In August 2003 he purchased Myoptix Fashion Eyewear, an optical boutique, located at 4714 East Douglas in College Hill. Jon can be reached at (316) 651-0887. |
Eyewear & Fashion
2004-07-01 09:50:00
What is Presbyopia?
: What is Presbyopia?
ANSWER: The literal Greek translation of Presbyopia is "Old Eyes", and also known as "Long-Arm Eyes™". Presbyopia is a functional defect where farsightedness progresses as we grow older. It is a condition that occurs as the eye's lens grows older and begins to lose some of the elasticity of the crystalline lens, needed to switch focus between viewing near and far objects. The age at which presbyopia is first noticed varies, but it usually begins to interfere with near vision in the early forty's. Unfortunately, Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be treated. If you are in (or approaching) your forties and are having a difficult time reading items up close, you may have presbyopia. Many times people will complain that their arms are too short or they have to hold item at arms length to read them. People with presbyopia notice that objects become clearer as they are moved away from their face. Presbyopia can complicate other common vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Your optometrist will perform other tests to determine the specific lenses that will allow you to see clearly, as well as ask questions about your physical health and your occupational and recreational activities. This information will aid in determining what type of lenses you need, and when you will most need to wear them. This will depend on a number of factors, including any other vision conditions you have. You may only need your glasses for reading, sewing or other close work. However, you may find that wearing your glasses all the time is more beneficial and convenient for your vision needs.To compensate for presbyopia, doctors of optometry may prescribe bifocal or progressive lens. New technology in eyewear now makes it impossible to distinguish these lenses from other lens. Progressive lenses feature a continuous, clear field of vision from distance through the mid-range to near without the use of annoying bifocal lines. Bifocal lenses use very old technology. Abrupt and awkward changes between distance and near prescriptions are separated by annoying "tell-tale" lines that can be frustrating.Your eye care professional may suggest Varilux lens. Varilux has conducted extensive clinical research, the result of which has produced a lens offering all presbyopes naturally comfortable vision never before achieved with a progressive lens. Most individuals will learn to use their Varilux lenses right away. Others may take a bit longer to become completely comfortable. Your eye care professional should be made aware of any extended adaptation period. A "fine-tuning" frame adjustment may be all that is necessary to assist in this initial period. Varilux lenses are available in a variety of different materials that will reduce both thickness and weight. Smaller frames also reduce lens thickness and weight. Your eye care professional will consider prescription, frame size, and your individual lifestyle when helping you decide which lens material will be best for you. Progressive lenses will introduce some changes to your peripheral vision due to power changes that occur in the periphery of the lenses. You may feel an initial difference in your peripheral vision that will require some slight changes in horizontal head and eye movements. Sensitivity to this area of the lens will diminish with wearing time as you become more accustomed to the lenses. These guidelines will help you adjust quickly and comfortably: • Stop wearing your old glasses immediately. • Wear your new glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible. • To look at an object, turn your head (and not just your eyes) toward it. • Move your head vertically until the object glides into focus. For most, this period of adaptation will be only a few hours. Some individuals may require as much as several days to two weeks to become completely comfortable. If you have been wearing your lenses for this period of time or longer and feel uncomfortable in any way with your vision, contact your eye care professional for an evaluation.
