In a world that is obsessed with eternal youth, efficiency and massive workloads, the inevitable deterioration of one’s eye sight at a certain age – 40 – is a daunting prospect for many!
The good news is that with huge strides in technology comes fantastic advances in lenses and eyewear. In addition to having a plethora of fashion frames from which to choose, lens technology has progressed to a point where the tell-tale signs of ageing eyes have thankfully become an almost-distant memory. The bad news is that no one escapes ageing – everyone’s eyes deteriorate with age. It’s inevitable. It will happen to you. So, if you are having difficulty focussing on that really tiny text on your cell phone, or if your arms just don’t seem long enough when you’re studying that sushi menu, then it’s probably time for a visit to your Torga optometrist.
To ease the pain, we’re going to explain various eye terms and visual conditions, along with potential solutions, so that you will be empowered to make an informed decision when the need for spectacles arises.
What happens to your eyes as you get older?
As the eye ages, the muscles that enable the ocular lens to work become weaker. The result is that the focusing ability for near vision becomes more difficult and eventually not possible. This condition is called presbyopia. The youthful flexibility of the lens and the respective muscles allow the eye to change focus from objects that are far away to objects that are close.
Solution: Spectacles, including single vision reading glasses, bifocals and multifocal lenses address presbyopia very effectively.
Multifocal (also known as progressive and varifocal) lenses give you a more youthful appearance by eliminating the visible lines found in bifocal lenses and allow you to focus clearly at varying distances. Bifocal and single vision lenses don’t give you the clear vision at all distances – reading glasses have one focal point and bifocals allow for clear distance and near vision but they aren’t great for intermediate distances, such as computer work.
What is a multifocal lens?
Multifocal lenses transition from your distance prescription at the top of the lens to your reading prescription at the bottom of the lens to help you see objects at all distances after you lose the ability to naturally change the focus of your eyes due to age (presbyopia). All Torga Optical multifocal lenses are manufactured using highly sophisticated digital software and German precision lens technology.
What is the difference between a bifocal and a multifocal lens?
Like bifocal lenses, multifocal lenses enable the user to see clearly at different distance ranges through one lens. A multifocal lens (AKA progressive lens) gradually changes power from the top of the lens to the bottom, giving a smooth transition from distance vision (across the room) to intermediate vision (computer, for example) to near (reading) vision. On the other hand, a bifocal only has two main focal points – one for distance vision and one for reading. These, therefore, don’t give the wearer clear intermediate vision – so they aren’t ideal for computer users.
Are multifocal lenses good for your eyes?
Yes! Multifocal lenses are often the most effective way to assist those with presbyopia. They alleviate the burden that is placed on your eyes when straining to focus at different distances. In addition to cosmetic advantages, progressive multifocal lenses provide a more natural correction of presbyopia than bifocal or trifocal prescription lenses.
We advise that you have an in-depth conversation with your optometrist about your lifestyle and your visual needs (once you’ve had a full eye test). Explain to him or her when your eyes are at their most strained. Go into detail about the kind of work that you do, which digital devices you use and how often. Your hobbies and how you spend your spare time are also important to consider when finding a solution to your visual needs. It’s this kind of information, together with the actual eye examination, that contributes to you finding the best optical correction for your visual comfort.
Torga Optical Cornubia Mall: 031 502 1658
Torga Optical Ballito Junction: 031 946 1416/7
Torga Optical Kwadukuza Mall: 010 023 2549 (local number)