How to Know When You Need Bifocals

Presbyopia is an unavoidable condition that occurs around your mid-40s and effects your eyes' ability to focus clearly on nearby items. If you already wear prescription glasses, one of the ways to adjust is to switch to bifocal glasses. Bifocals have a lens at the top that allows you to see objects clearly at a distance, and a second lens at the bottom to see nearby objects clearly. When the need for bifocals arises, the change can be difficult to accept, and it is helpful to be prepared by recognizing this need.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to how far from your eyes you're holding your reading material. If you're moving materials farther away to see clearly, your reading vision has changed. If you do not wear glasses for distance, it may simply be a sign of needing reading glasses. However, if you do wear glasses for distance or if your work requires that you constantly look back and forth between objects at a distance and up close, bifocals will help.

• 2

  Consider how often you switch between distance glasses and closeup glasses. If you've lived with two pairs of glasses and are tiring of constantly switching between them, you will benefit from having one pair to see clearly at both distances.

• 3

  Ask a friend or coworker if they've noticed you squinting to read up close. Consider whether you are having frequent headaches after reading for long periods or at the end of a work day. Note whether your eyes feel tired on a regular basis. Without knowing it, you may be straining to see objects up close, which may involve excessive squinting that results in more frequent headaches and dry, tired eyes from strain.

• 4

  Notice how your car gauges look. If you've ever had difficulty driving with your glasses and seeing your gauges clearly in the past, this is another indication that bifocals are needed.

• 5

  Schedule an appointment for an eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Inform the doctor of your concerns and bring your current pair of glasses with you. After your examination, the doctor will be able to confirm whether bifocals are needed and, if so, will discuss what type is best for your lifestyle.