As we age, our eyesight inevitably changes. Nearly everyone over the age of 65 will experience a reduced elasticity of the lenses of their eyes — a condition called presbyopia. Those of us lucky enough to have perfect vision until that age will only require reading glasses to help with up-close vision. However, for the 42 percent of Americans who are nearsighted to begin with, a more complex solution will be necessary, such as bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of bifocals.
Pros Of Bifocals
Bifocal lenses are incredibly useful for those who already have some form of vision impairment. With bifocals, you can look through either area without having to switch between two sets of glasses or contact lenses; this makes it easier to read a book or use your phone without having to constantly switch between different types of glasses or take them off altogether. Additionally, bifocal lenses offer wider peripheral vision than regular reading glasses because they cover more surface area on your face and come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can fit almost any face shape.
Cons Of Bifocals
The biggest downside is that bifocal lenses can be quite expensive compared to regular reading glasses; they also require an additional fitting process since they’re custom-made depending on your prescription and face shape. Additionally, since the two areas are separated by a visible line in the lens itself, some people may find it difficult to adjust to this visual obstruction; this could cause eye strain if you’re not used to it. Finally, while some people find them quite stylish and fashionable, others may not like how they look; this means that you may end up feeling self-conscious about wearing them in public if you don’t like the way they look on you.
For those with presbyopia who also have an existing vision impairment, bifocal lenses provide an effective solution for both faraway and nearsighted vision needs. They offer wider peripheral vision than regular reading glasses and make switching between different prescriptions unnecessary. However, these benefits come at a cost — both financial and potential cosmetic discomfort — so it’s important to consider all angles before making a decision about whether or not bifocal lenses are right for you. Talk with your optometrist about which option is best for your needs!