Presbyopia: Why Reading Is Getting Harder After 40 (and What to Do About It)

As you get older, you may notice that reading small print or seeing your phone up close isn’t as easy as it used to be. If you’re in your 40s or beyond and find yourself squinting, adjusting lighting, or holding items at arm’s length just to see them clearly, you’re likely experiencing presbyopia.
This common, age-related condition affects nearly everyone at some point, but the good news is there are many effective solutions—both glasses and contact lenses—to help you see clearly again.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia occurs when the eye’s natural lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This process usually begins in your early to mid-40s and progresses over time. Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness—which relate to the shape of the eye—presbyopia is caused by the hardening of the lens inside your eye.

Common signs of presbyopia include:

• Blurred vision at normal reading distance

• Eye strain or headaches during close work

• Needing brighter lighting while reading

• Holding reading materials farther away to see them clearly

Your Options for Clear Vision

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for presbyopia. Your lifestyle, visual demands, and personal preferences will determine the best approach. At First Class Eye Care, we offer a variety of lens solutions to fit your needs.

Eyeglass Options

• Single Vision Lenses - Single vision lenses provide clear distance or near vision, but require switching glasses for different tasks - an inconvenience that disrupts daily activities and can become frustrating over time.

• Bifocal Lenses – Two distinct optical powers (distance and near) separated by a visible line. Effective, but some find the abrupt change challenging, or don't like the cosmetic look of the line.

• Trifocal Lenses – Adds an intermediate section for tasks like computer use, plus distance and near vision. Also has visible lines and noticeable zone transitions.

• Progressive Lenses – “No-line bifocals” with a smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision for a more natural viewing experience. This is the most popular option for most patients.

Hoya iD Lifestyle 4 Progressive Lenses

These advanced progressives are customized for your visual behavior and prescription, offering:

• Smooth, natural transitions between all distances

• Reduced digital eye strain

• Enhanced clarity tailored to your lifestyle

Contact Lens Options

For those who prefer freedom from glasses, contact lenses can be an excellent choice for managing presbyopia.

• Monovision Contact Lenses – One lens is set for distance vision and the other for near vision. The brain adapts to use the correct eye for each task. Many patients find this option effective after a short adjustment period.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses – These advanced lenses provide clear distance, intermediate, and near vision in both eyes, allowing you to see across all ranges. There can be some compromise in crispness of vision, but gives you the flexibility of not having to wear glasses.

Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Lens Replacement Options – Daily contact lenses offer fresh, clean vision each day with minimal care, reducing infection risk. Extended wear lenses are reusable but require strict cleaning. For comfort, convenience, and eye health, dailies are the superior choice.

Take Control of Your Vision

If you’re noticing signs of presbyopia, a comprehensive eye exam is the first step. We’ll assess your vision, learn about your daily habits, and recommend glasses and/or contact lenses that best match your lifestyle.
Whether you’re an avid reader, tech professional, or someone always on the move, there’s a perfect solution for you—often even a combination of glasses and contacts to suit different activities.
If you’re over 40 and experiencing presbyopia symptoms, schedule an eye exam at First Class Eye Care in Duluth, Georgia. Call us at (404) 793-3937 to book your appointment and explore the best vision solution for you.