Everything changes over time. The same is true for vision, which loses clarity at close distances as we age, making near-work tasks challenging.
Thankfully, bifocal lenses have stood the test of time as a trusted solution for individuals dealing with vision changes caused by presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), addressing vision needs at multiple distances. At Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care, we offer bifocal lenses for patients in Rockville.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition that typically starts from age 40. It results from the natural lens losing flexibility, making it harder to focus on close-up objects. This eye condition can make reading or performing tasks that require near vision difficult. Bifocal lenses are a popular solution for correcting presbyopia.
What Are Bifocal Glasses & How Do They Work?
Bifocal glasses have two distinct fields of vision within a single lens. The innovative design enables clear vision for near and far distances, effectively addressing two common vision issues with a single pair of glasses. If you have presbyopia, you can see fine print with ease while also enjoying clear distance vision at the same time.
What makes bifocal lenses remarkable is a noticeable line dividing the two areas of focus within the lens. By slightly tilting your head, you can select the appropriate part of the lens to look through, depending on the object's distance. This ingenious concept has made bifocal lenses a trusted solution for individuals dealing with both near and far vision issues since their inception in the late 1700s.
Who Invented Bifocal Reading Glasses? A Nod to Benjamin Franklin!
Believe it or not, bifocal glasses have a fascinating history that dates back to Benjamin Franklin!
Franklin, renowned for his diverse contributions to science and innovation, created these lenses to address his vision challenges. His ingenious idea paved the way for generations to benefit from bifocal glasses, particularly those who have trouble reading due to farsightedness.
In a pair of bifocal reading glasses, the upper section of the lens corrects difficulties in seeing objects at a distance, while the lower section aids in reading — a true testament to the enduring legacy of innovation, which began in 1784 and has only improved with time.
Exploring Multifocal Lenses: Bifocal, Trifocal, & Progressive
It's worth noting that bifocal lenses are just one piece of the multifocal lens puzzle.
While bifocal lenses have two distinct fields of vision, trifocal lenses go further with three separate areas for near, intermediate, and distance vision. Some people find the noticeable lines within bifocal and trifocal lenses distracting. In this case, progressive lenses offer a modern and more seamless solution.
Progressive lenses incorporate two, three, or even more fields of vision within a single lens, all without any line separating near and distance vision. These lenses gradually transition between different vision areas, making them a more visually appealing choice and a smoother transition between vision zones.
If you have noticed age-related changes in your vision, request an appointment with us in Rockville so our optometrists can determine if bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses can benefit you.