Throughout our lives, our eyesight can undergo changes that impact our everyday activities. If you find yourself squinting at distant road signs or struggling to read fine print up close, it might be time to consider bifocal lenses. These optical aids address the challenge of age-related presbyopia, a natural condition where the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects diminishes over time.

In this article, we’ll explore the subtle yet telling signs that it’s time to embrace the benefits of bifocal lenses. 

What Are Bifocals?

Bifocal lenses provide two different strengths to help improve your vision. The top portion of the lens is used to see distance, and the lower part allows you to see closer items. These types of lenses cater to individuals experiencing presbyopia, allowing them to enjoy clear vision at different distances without needing to switch between multiple pairs of glasses.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a natural, often age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It typically starts in the early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until it stabilizes around age 65.

Signs You Need Bifocals

Here are some ways to tell if you need bifocal lenses. By recognizing these signs early, you can ensure that your eyesight remains sharp while maintaining visual comfort.

1. Frequent Headaches and Eye Strain

When your eyes have to adjust and struggle to focus on what you want them to, it can easily cause eye strain and fatigue over time. As this occurs, headaches can become an associated problem that can make it frustrating and, of course, painful when attempting to read. If you don’t have a history of headaches and suddenly begin to experience them more frequently, visit your optometrist to have your eyes checked. Chances are that you could just need glasses to eliminate those aches.

2. Constantly Adjusting the Distance of Items to See Clearly

If you find that you constantly adjust an item or your own position to see or read clearly, this means it might be time to turn to bifocals. Relying on maneuvering items to focus your vision can end up damaging your eyesight and weakening it further if left ignored.

3. Your Vision and Focus Changes During the Day

Many people can also experience a change in their vision capabilities throughout the span of a day. In the morning, your phone might be crystal clear, but in the evening, you may struggle to make out certain objects. For some people, alternating between different sets of glasses can help combat this. For the most convenience, bifocals can limit switching between glasses and can help curb those vision changes throughout the day.

4. The Need for Additional Light

If you’re frequently seeking brighter lighting to read or perform close-up tasks, it may be a sign that your eyes are struggling with close-up focus. Bifocal lenses can provide the necessary prescription power for these tasks, reducing your dependence on brighter lighting.

5. You Notice Blurriness When You Look at the Speedometer

One common sign of developing presbyopia is apparent blurriness when looking at the speedometer while driving. Note that the road itself will appear clear, but the speedometer may be difficult to read due to the impaired ability of your eyes to focus on nearby objects.

Is it Difficult to Adjust to Bifocals?

It may take some time to adjust to wearing bifocals. Wearing these glasses for the first time may make you feel nauseous or dizzy, but it is critical that you keep wearing them. After approximately two weeks, you should be fully comfortable in your new eyewear. If it takes longer, you might want to contact your optometrist to review the prescription.

What About Trifocals? 

Trifocals are similar to bifocals, except their lenses are divided into three viewing zones rather than two: distance viewing, intermediate viewing, and up-close viewing. Ultimately, the choice between bifocals and trifocals depends on the patient’s specific vision requirements and typical daily activities.

Get Bifocal Lenses with Laurier Optical

Staying attuned to your eye health can make a significant difference in your daily life. If you begin to notice any of the above signs of weakened vision, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to get to the root of the issue. Making the switch to bifocal lenses can improve your vision and eliminate pestering headaches and unnecessary strain on your eyes—and who wouldn’t love that? 

Ready to take the next step to protect your eyes? Contact us today at Laurier Optical to book an appointment with our experienced optometrists.