July 2018
Everyone will eventually need help focusing up close.... period.
Besides aches and pains, this inconvenient truth is the first reminder for many in our 40's that we all age. I talk to many many folks a week about the limited options to deal with near focus challenges - reading glasses, some form of bi/multifocal glasses and contact lenses. This post is about the generally quickly dismissed option #3 - contact lenses. Albeit scary to envision wearing for some, contact lenses to help you focus up close are NOT - uncomfortable, risky, tough-to-handle. And... if you searched out reading glasses to read this post... they can make you feel younger. The certainly do for me!
Think of how many times that you: look at your cell phone a bit blurry; hold the menu further away; can not tell if that screw-head is Phillips or Roberson head; pull back from your partner to see them better; look at a blurry plate of food. Guys especially - You can do this! - Roll back the clock and experience not needing those darn!! glasses again.
Contact lens use does not need to be full-time... socially/casually works great too!
Easy guide for what to expect...
Step ONE - Find an Optometrist that actually wants to spend the time required with you to discuss all options - including contact lenses. Unfortunately many fitters will not want to be bothered with contacts for our age group
Step TWO - You will trial contacts in-office to ensure that they fit, are safe and do the job as expected
Step THREE - You will be taught how to insert and remove a contact lens - do NOT worry about this - it is very very rare that a motivated patient can not do this with the right coaching and some time
Step FOUR - You will take lenses and trial them in your own world
Step FIVE - At a follow-up visit - your lenses will likely be adjusted to address any vision improvements found during the trial
Step SIX - Order end enjoy your new-found little fountain of youth and see who notices
Costs
A quick discussion of options is usually included in a complete eye exam. A dedicated contact lens appointment with a trial and teach with follow-up will cost approximately $50 to $100.
Lens pricing ranges immensely depending on needs and replacement schedule e.g. $125 a year for one monthly lens (monovision) to $1000 a year for two single-use multifocals. You will need to discuss options with your eye doctor. For reference - I wear a non-bifocal single use lens that would be $250 annually.
