“Over the hill at 40” is not just a phrase, it’s a real benchmark to feeling older. Right around the age of 40, many people start to experience trouble seeing at close range. They are unable to focus clearly for extended periods without getting eyestrain or headaches. Some even need to have more light to see small print or need to extend their arm to read better.
These are all symptoms of a natural physiologic condition called presbyopia, or the inability to focus up close due to the lens inside our eye becoming less adjustable. Since no one can escape aging, inevitably we all become presbyopic.
Once someone reaches presbyopia, they should visit their eye doctor to have it corrected. While some people may get relief using store bought magnifiers, the best outcome is achieved when your eye doctor prescribes your exact prescription.
Store magnifiers don’t generally work for nearsighted people, moderately to high farsighted people, people with astigmatism, and those with a different prescription in each eye. Also, over the counter reading glasses only work at one distance (focal length).
There is no need to compromise, when you can get exactly what you need. The right prescription lenses will allow you to see near, far, and everywhere in between.
Standard correction for presbyopia has been bifocal eyeglasses, progressive lenses (no-line multifocal lenses), multi-focal contact lenses, mono-vision contact lenses (one near and one far contact), and laser vision correction. But the newest method of correcting presbyopia, is by using prescription eye drops that eliminate the need for reading lenses, and in some cases, distance glasses as well.
The eye drops are applied to the eyes in the morning and can provide clearer vision for up 10 hours. The drops work by activating eye muscles that shrink the pupil and provide better vision through increased depth of focus, a principle known as the Pinhole Effect. Essentially, light images can pass straight through a small opening without needing to be redirected or focused by lenses.
Anyone frustrated with reading glasses or multifocal lenses should consider the convenience of presbyopic eye drops. Using the drops will allow them to see better at mid-range and near without having to find the reading section of their lenses.
They will be able to see their computer, phone, mail, magazine, menu, and face in the mirror, all by simply looking straight ahead. They will not need to lift their chin or turn their head to find the best part of the lens. Using the drops will also save on glasses and contacts because only single vision lenses will be needed.
For anyone who has enjoyed Laser Vision Correction through their 20’s and 30’s, they can continue having excellent near vision through their 40’s, 50’s, and longer by using the drops.
Interested patients can obtain free eye drop samples after being qualified by their doctor. Not all patients are good candidates. Some patients will be prohibited if they could suffer negative side-effects. After a thorough eye exam, your doctor can discuss the pros and cons of this product, and its feasibility for you.
Dr. David Bloch is an adult and pediatric Optometrist in Carlsbad. He has won Gold for Best of North County in the Eye Care category for the last three years, 2023, 2024, 2025. If you would like to get evaluated for the presbyopic eye drops, you can contact his office at 760-730-3733.
