Choose The Right Prescription Eyeglasses For Older Eyes

It's not a stereotype - most older people really do need prescription eyeglasses. Our vision changes as we age, because the eye's lens and its muscles used for focusing become less flexible. The condition is called presbyopia.

We're tempted to think: Who'd want prescription eyeglasses when they could get contact lenses or vision correction surgery? The truth is, these innovations in eye care don't work for everyone. And now that eyeglasses are as trendy as other fashions, there's no need to fret about wearing them!

Those who wear prescription eyeglasses already know that designers such as Calvin Klein, Sean John, Adrienne Vittidini, Marc Jacobs, Anne Klein and many others also produce high-fashion eyeglass frames. These well-known brands are drawing both women and men to stylish frames for their prescription eyeglasses.

* Bifocals. Their invention is attributed to America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin. Unfortunately, in the three centuries since ol' Benjy invented them, traditional bifocals haven't changed much. They still are made with only near and far vision, with no intermediate zone. The top half of bifocals is used for distance vision and the bottom half for reading. A noticeable line separates the two lens regions.

Materials for eyeglass frames also sport innovations, such as the introduction of wood and bamboo. Because it's an easily renewable resource, bamboo in particular is becoming a popular material for those concerned about the environmental impact of the manufacture of plastic or metal frames.

* Progressive lenses. Here's the biggest improvement over either bifocals or trifocals. Progressives allow wearers of prescription eyeglasses to focus at nearly any distance. There's no line in the lens, so eyesight transition is smoother than with the other types of lenses for presbyopia.

Photochromic lenses have been around a while, but they're still impressive. Thanks to their chemical coating, or to an adaptability built into the lens materials, these prescription eyeglasses darken in bright light, then go back to an undarkened state when the wearer moves inside or goes out at nighttime. Photochromic lenses are especially good for people who go in and out frequently.

In addition to needing vision correction for reading, people with presbyopia who are fond of sports and recreational activities may find that they need specialized prescription eyeglasses. After all, a devoted softball player wouldn't want that horsehide to get indistinct when it comes across the plate. And every golfer needs to be able to see well in order to tee up.

Plus, after age 40 most people develop a condition known as presbyopia. This means that the focusing muscles and lens of the age have become less flexible with age. The way to tell presbyopia is when print that once was clear now appears blurry.

Types of lenses that aid people with presbyopia include bifocals, which sharpen near and far vision; trifocals, which sharpen near, middle and far vision; and progressive lenses, which allow the wearer to focus at any range of distance.

It's important to decide on your lenses before you choose frames, because some kinds of lenses (such as the progressives mention earlier) don't work with certain sizes of frames. Once you've selected your lenses, consider the shape of your face and your skin and hair color to choose the frames that are right for you. Don't be afraid to consider getting a wardrobe of prescription eyeglasses as well. Often optical stores or boutiques will have "two-for-one" deals so you can get a stylish but conservative frame for work and indulge your wild side in a pair of prescription eyeglasses for casual times.

Whatever you choose, make sure you really like the look and fit of your prescription eyeglasses. Ask your optician or optical store in advance about their return, exchange or refund policies before you buy.

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