Reading Eyeglasses
Reading glasses are for those who can see clearly at distance,
but notice that they are begining to have problems reading up close unless
they squint or push the reading matter further away from their eyes.
In most cases this problem starts at about the age of 40. For the next
10 to 15 years it continues to get worse with age. Because of this, the
reading glasses have to be made a little stronger every couple of years
to compensate for this loss of accomodation which is the ability to change
focus.
This loss of focusing ability is normal and natural and happens to everyone.
You are not going blind, as some fear. What is happening is that the
focusing lens inside the eye is becoming less flexible as it ages, and
the muscles that work on this lens are also getting weaker with age.
There is not much that can be done about the hardening of this intraocular
lens, but perhaps accommodation exercises will strengthen the intraocular
eye muscles and slow down the progression. It certainly can't hurt.
Reading glasses can only be used for reading up close and will blur the
distance. You should therefore take them off when you have finished reading.
Because of this limitation some prefer to use what are called half eyes.
These are glasses that are only half as large vertically and ride lower
on the nose so that you can look over them to see at distance. You have
the option to leave them on or take them off after you have finished
reading
Another approach is to use bifocals or trifocals. In these cases the
top of the lens is for distance, and the bottom is for reading up close.
You can leave them on to see at distance, or take them off after reading,
as you wish.
Failure to use the appropriate prescription will result in the person
squinting to see better or moving the reading matter further away from
the eyes to get it more in focus or both. Either that or get stronger
reading glasses as needed.
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