Why Do We Need Bifocals?

Type40 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 08:57 AM

I just read in an article about bifocal contact lenses that as we get older, our near vision begins to fail. This article states that as we get older the muscles in our eyes lose the flexibility needed to focus properly on nearby objects.

That sounds fine, except that I thought it was due to the stiffening of your natural lens itself rather than the muscles. Was I mistaken?

skatss · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 07:02 PM

I think eye muscles get weaker as you get older. I was very nearsighted as a child and now I can see a little better for distance and need help reading. I'm still very nearsighted but not quite as bad. But the two prescriptions, one for distance and one for reading, are very different.

gamblinglord · #3 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 08:28 PM

What could be the difference of a Bifocal Contact Lenses from any other contact lenses? Are the older people the ones who commonly use this type of contacts? I would appreciate any information provided.

Sir Robin · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type40

I just read in an article about bifocal contact lenses that as we get older, our near vision begins to fail. This article states that as we get older the muscles in our eyes lose the flexibility needed to focus properly on nearby objects.

That sounds fine, except that I thought it was due to the stiffening of your natural lens itself rather than the muscles. Was I mistaken?

You are correct, the stiffening of the lens plays the major role in loss of near vision. The "muscles" effected are actually more like tendons or ligaments that are in between the muscles and the lens these are called lens zonules, as the lens gets stiffer the zonules stretch slightly so even though the muscles are still trying to focus the lens the combination of a stiffer lens and looser zonules don't allow as much focusing.

Type40 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Robin

You are correct, the stiffening of the lens plays the major role in loss of near vision. The "muscles" effected are actually more like tendons or ligaments that are in between the muscles and the lens these are called lens zonules, as the lens gets stiffer the zonules stretch slightly so even though the muscles are still trying to focus the lens the combination of a stiffer lens and looser zonules don't allow as much focusing.

I knew it.

That thing about the zonules stretching almost sounds like they get "flabby" after about forty years or so. That's probably to a good word, but it's just what came into my pointy little head. Thanks you for sharing your time and your knowledge, Sir Robin. Who needs Batman, right?

hema1999 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2010, 10:03 PM

Most people can see small print with appropriately prescribed contact lenses and a bit of time to adapt to them. A lot of manufacturers make products that can work. But it can also be rather tricky to prescribe these lenses. If your current eye care practitioner continues to have difficulties, I'd recommend seeing a contact lens specialist. Although all practitioners can order the same lens products, there can be a huge difference in what is done with them to create a successful fit.
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OV-102 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hema1999

Most people can see small print with appropriately prescribed contact lenses and a bit of time to adapt to them. A lot of manufacturers make products that can work. But it can also be rather tricky to prescribe these lenses. If your current eye care practitioner continues to have difficulties, I'd recommend seeing a contact lens specialist. Although all practitioners can order the same lens products, there can be a huge difference in what is done with them to create a successful fit.

That's a great idea hema1999. I've heard about those eye care practitioners that specialize in fitting contact lenses. Sounds like a good line of work to get into.

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