Sunday, July 11, 2010

Are Single Vision Contact Lenses For Me...?

Are single vision distance contact lens for me? Or do I need to consider multifocals? I would like to see things beyond 3-4 feet with much better clarity, while still being able to see things close up with my natural near vision.





I am 45 y.o. and not really presbyopic yet. My near vision for up to 3 feet is great, and is perfect for reading and fine print without any vision correction at all.





I am myopic (-1.00/-1.50 SPH.), and astigmatic in my right eye: (-1.75 CYL.). My doctor told me for both near and far vision in eyeglasses that I would need to consider progressive lenses, with a +1.50 reading add for both eyes





My single vision distance eyeglasses currently are no good for anything closer than 4 feet, and must come off as they make close things blurry. I am tired of taking the glasses on and off, alternating to see between near and far--TV versus the computer, etc. I would really like to make the switch to contacts.





How does all this work with single vision contact lenses?

Are Single Vision Contact Lenses For Me...?
Ordinary single vision lenses will not work for you.


I'm afraid you *are* presbyopic. Using your myopic eyes to get close vision doesn't let you off, even though until now it's been at least half a convenience.


Your distance and near precriptions are distinctly different (by about 1.50D) and that's presbyopia.


Your options are:


Distance s/v glasses and take them off for reading


(though your right eye isn't perfect for that, with that astigmatism, if you're happy, that's fine)


Distance s/v contacts, and +1.50 reading glasses over the top for reading. (could be half-eye glasses at least when no-one's looking)


Multifocal contacts.


Some people love these, but other people find the vision something of a compromise. Only a trial would give you a good idea. But having a moderate level of astigmatism isn't idea for this approach.


Monovision contacts: One eye corrected for distance, the other for reading.


This would be cheaper, and allow the astigmatism to be dealt with more accurately.


Some people love this approach but some brains firmly object to the disturbance to the binocular vision.


Again, only a trial at least in the consulting room, can give you an idea if this is going to be a possible route.
Reply:Try asking your doctor about monovision contact lenses. One will be for distance and the other for reading. It takes a little while to get used to, but for those who adapt well really seem to like it.
Reply:With single vision contact lenses and near tasks, you will need to wear readers. Your vision in the distance will be good due to the contact lens correction, but you will need help at near. Like the other person said, monovision is an option, but I know that it can be very difficult to adapt to. Perhaps you can try a multifocal lens for a week and see how you like it, and if you don't like it, know that single vision contacts with readers for near is an option. Personally, whenever I get to that age, I think that I will probably wear single vision contact lenses with readers. You should be able to discuss this with your optometrist, and (s)he should be able to help.


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