Our eyesight is very important in our lives, in our daily activities such as reading, driving or working. Accidents, diseases, diet and smoking, among other things can harm our vision, and trying to anticipate these harmful factors could help in guarding and improving our eyesight. Unfortunately there are diseases, which we are born with and some come with ageing. There are two common eye disorders, i.e., lens and vision disorders, presbyopia (farsighted) and myopia (shortsighted). Presbyopia is the eye condition, which can develop as we mature, usually between the ages of 40-60. Presbyopia occurs when our natural lens loses its ability to accommodate by expanding and being pliable. 

With myopia the need for accommodation is diminished, presbyopia cannot be noticed by a myopic person, as it is masked.  Being shortsighted means we are unable to see things clearly that are far, yet able to see things close very well. When a person with normal eyesight looks at something close, the lens changes its focus due to the stretching of the muscles, this change of the lenses is accommodation. A myopic person’s eye lens does not need to accommodate, because it is already focused on things close.

There are remedies to treat these conditions, one of them being refractive surgery. Through the surgery the myopia is removed and the lens starts to accommodate, but there might be the risk of muscle weakening. Another form to correct presbyopia and myopia is using reading glasses. Many will need reading glasses for close work, computer usage, reading or sewing. If you do not want to deal with the discomfort of getting down and putting on different glasses for every work or activity you do, bifocal or trifocal reading glasses might be a good solution in improving near and far vision correction. You might also consider using progressive lenses instead of corrective lenses, which combine several levels of adjustments. Another alternative to reading glasses might be the usage of prescription contact lenses. Techniques include monovision, or the use of multifocal contact lenses.  Always ask your ophthalmologist about what type of reading glasses to wear before purchasing a pair for yourself.  You can search the Internet for different styles of reading glasses.

You may find that you do not have to pay high prices for quality glasses.  The site www.4readers.com sells quality reading glasses starting at 3 pair for $9.99.  In addition, if you put the word "eyecare" (no quotes) in the coupon code box, you will save 5% off all items purchased.  These savings are for allabouteyecare.org readers.