AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As people age, those who wear reading glasses often get frustrated when shifting their eyes from close-up work to further away. Looking at a book or notes and then removing reading glasses to look further away to view the writing on a whiteboard can create blurriness as eyes transition. This is a sign that it is time for bifocal or multifocal glasses or contacts, which are available at Westlake Hills Vision Center.
Dr. Adam Drees, O.D. of Austin's Westlake Hills Vision Center says the problem is called presbyopia. "Presbyopia usually occurs in your 40’s and 50’s, even if you have had 20-20 vision most of your life," he adds. Researchers think that presbyopia is related to a gradual thickening of the eye's lens, which makes it less flexible. One of the first signs of the condition is discovering that your arms aren't long enough to read a restaurant menu. You tend to hold print further and further away to make it sharp.
"This difficulty disappears with bifocal and multifocal contacts or glasses," Dr. Drees says. "Another part of the good news is that you can get these kinds of lenses in contacts or in stylish multifocal glasses."
Contacts and glasses are available in multifocal lenses which have two or more lens powers. In bifocals, the lenses are divided into near and distance vision. In contrast, trifocals (sometimes called progressives) add a third field of vision -- middle ground. Multifocal contact lenses are available in gas permeable or soft lens models.
Over time, eyes adjust to multifocal correction so you don't have to think about whether to shift your eyes to the bottom of the lenses for reading, straight ahead for looking at a computer, or upward to quickly see clearly into the distance. Austin optometry patients who have specific work-related needs can have special kinds of occupational multifocal lenses prepared at Westlake Hills Vision Center.
"Sometimes trifocals aren't enough to comfortably work long hours on a computer screen," Dr. Drees warns. "Then the least expensive solution is to get a second pair of glasses designed specifically for straight-ahead, middle distance work. They're called computer glasses and they limit neck strain."
Westlake Hills Vision Center is located at 3801 North Capital of Texas Highway, Suite C-100 in Austin. They offer comprehensive eye exams, designer eyewear, and provide pre- and post-operative care for LASIK procedures and other eye surgeries.
The eye care clinic is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday appointments can be made upon request if needed as well. Contact Westlake Hills Vision Center online at http://westlakehillsvision.com/ , or call (512) 651-5186 to make an appointment.
Westlake Hills Vision Center, (512) 651-5186
