Presbyopia Management, “Lau Hua”

Presbyopia is a condition when we face difficulty reading small texts or progressively seeing blurred vision of close objects. It is commonly known as “lao-hua” in Singapore and it affects most of us after the age of 40. Some even have it in their late 30s. The condition is not stoppable, reversible or curable but there are solutions in correcting it to improve our vision. The common options are spectacles or contact lenses.

There are different options available, depending on one’s condition and lifestyle needs. 

Find out more about the Different Types of Lenses here

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. It’s a natural, often annoying part of aging. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s. While this condition is non-reversible or curable, there are many common solutions such as glasses and contact lens that can aid you in seeing clearer.

Bifocal lenses are designed for those requiring spectacles with 2 different prescriptions – one to correct close-up vision while another, to correct faraway vision. There is a distinct line in-between the lenses: top half for faraway vision and bottom half for close-up vision. They are not just cosmetically unappealing and may appear old fashioned and render the wearer an aged appearance, the wearer will also have to look up and down to switch between prescriptions since the 2 prescriptions have no gradual distinction between them.

Progressive Multifocal lenses are an upgrade on Bifocal and Trifocal lenses. There are no ugly lines on the lenses for different prescriptions. The degrees on the lenses change gradually, providing seamless and smooth transition for focal vision, allowing the wearer to see clearly from far away vision to close-up vision effortlessly.

Multifocal contact lenses are an alternative for those requiring different prescriptions but do not favor spectacles. Similar to Progressive Multifocal lenses, Multifocal contact lenses allow wearers to see objects clearly at virtually any distance. They come in both soft lens and gas permeable lens (hard lens) materials and there are 2 main lens designs for different needs. It is important to let your optometrist understand your lifestyle, hobbies and regular activities in order to prescribe the best option for you.

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