Understanding Presbyopia and the Add in Glasses Prescription
- BY Catherine Ong
- IN Glasses
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that affects your near vision. It occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Unlike other vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness, which are usually present from a young age, presbyopia typically becomes noticeable around the age of 40 to 45 and progresses until about 60 years old.
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Symptoms of Presbyopia:
- Difficulty reading small print or close-up tasks
- Needing to hold reading material farther away to see clearly
- Eyestrain or headaches after prolonged near work
- Blurred vision at close distances, especially in low lighting conditions
- Taking off your glasses to read, especially if you are nearsighted
Solutions for Presbyopia
Presbyopia can be managed with various treatment options, including:
- Reading glasses: Reading glasses have lenses with a prescription specifically for close-up tasks like reading or using a computer.
- Bifocal or Trifocal Lenses: Bifocals are a two-in-one lens that has a distance carrier lens and a near segment lens at the bottom. Trifocals have an additional middle segment for intermediate viewing. Both lenses have their iconic line that many patients have a love-hate relationship with.
- Progressive Lenses: Often called the “no-line bifocals,” progressive lenses gradually change from a distance prescription at the top to a near prescription at the bottom. The draw to these lenses is that they look like any typical lens without the tell-tale bifocal line.
- Contact Lenses: Multifocal or monovision contact lens designs are available for presbyopic individuals who prefer not to wear glasses. Your eye doctor can help you decide which option is best for your vision needs.
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How Do I Read the “Add” in My Prescription?
If you have presbyopia that needs correction, your optometrist will include a number in the “Add” section of your prescription. This “Add” refers to the additional power needed to correct presbyopia. It is indicated as a positive number and is typically added to the distance prescription for reading or close-up tasks. For example, if a person’s distance prescription is +1.00 diopters and the add is +2.00 diopters, their reading prescription would be +3.00 diopters. If a person’s distance prescription is -2.00 diopters and the add is +2.50 diopters, their reading prescription would be +0.50 diopters.
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging and is easily corrected with the right treatment options. However, it’s essential to have regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor changes in vision and ensure early detection of any underlying eye conditions. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and take the first step towards preserving your vision for a lifetime of clear sight.
