What are the problems with bifocals?

Bifocals have long been a popular solution for correcting vision problems associated with both near and far distances. However, despite their widespread use, they come with a set of challenges that can impact daily life. At Tersigni Vision we understand the importance of clear vision and the frustrations that come with traditional bifocals. In this article, we discuss common issues faced by bifocal users and explore how these types of glasses might not always be the clear-cut solution they seem to be.

7 Most Common Problems With Bifocals

Bifocal glasses can help with different vision needs, like seeing up close and far away, but they’re not perfect. The most common problems with bifocals include:

1. Adaptation Period: It can take a couple of weeks to get used to bifocal glasses. Initially, wearers may struggle to look through the correct section of the lens for different activities, such as using the lower portion for reading a newspaper and the upper portion for driving.
2. Bifocal Line Issues: The bifocal line should be at the same level as the bottom eyelid to ensure proper vision for reading or close-up work when glancing down. If the bifocal line is too high, it can result in inadequate distance vision. Adjustments may be needed by an eye doctor to lower the bifocal line or to switch to progressive lenses, which do not have a visible line.
3. Image Jumping: Wearers might experience “image jumping” or trouble remembering where to look through each lens during the initial adaptation period, affecting their visual perception.
4. Peripheral Vision: With bifocals, some users become more aware of the frame’s rim in their peripheral vision, which can be distracting until they get used to it. This issue highlights the importance of optics in eyeglass prescription design.
5. Computer Use: Traditional bifocals are not very user-friendly for prolonged computer work, which can lead to headaches and neck strain. Solutions include using dedicated computer glasses or no-line bifocals and addressing the need for specific corrective lens adjustments for accommodation and refraction.
6. Reduced Edge-Contrast Sensitivity and Depth Perception: Bifocal glasses can lead to reduced edge-contrast sensitivity and depth perception, increasing the risk of tripping and falling, especially on stairs. This is particularly important for older adults, who are more likely to experience falls due to multifocal glasses. This underscores the complex relationship optometry and ophthalmology face in addressing signs and symptoms of refractive error.
7. Night Vision Symptoms: Bifocals are presumed to carry higher risks, such as increased night vision symptoms and decreased visual quality, compared to single-vision glasses, a concern for patients with far-sightedness or near-sightedness.

At Tersigni Vision, we know that bifocals might not be the best fit for everyone. That’s why we offer different vision correction options like Custom Lens Replacement, also called Refractive Lens Exchange. This advanced treatment can correct various vision problems, potentially eliminating the need for bifocals, trifocal lenses, or progressive lenses. With treatments customized for each person’s eyes, Tersigni Vision aims to give you clear vision that fits your life better without the downsides of traditional bifocals.

What are the alternatives to bifocal glasses?

Recognizing the need for more permanent and comfortable solutions to presbyopia, Tersigni Vision offers innovative alternatives customized to enhance your vision without the inconveniences of traditional bifocal glasses or contact lenses, such as CLR and RLE.

One of the advanced treatments we provide is Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), also called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). This procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with a custom artificial intraocular lens (IOL) designed to correct vision at multiple distances. CLR is a permanent solution that aims to free you from dependency on bifocals or reading glasses.

Another option available at Tersigni Vision is Blended LASIK, a proven technique specifically designed to address presbyopia. This procedure adjusts one eye primarily for distance vision while fine-tuning the other for near to intermediate vision, achieving a balance that allows for clear vision at various distances. This method, often referred to as Monovision LASIK, is carefully customized to match your visual acuity needs and lifestyle, providing a glasses-free solution to presbyopia.

Both Custom Lens Replacement and Blended LASIK are performed by our skilled surgeon, leveraging the latest technology to ensure safety and precision. These procedures not only aim to correct presbyopia but also enhance the overall quality of life by offering an escape from the daily hassles of bifocal glasses.

Choosing the right alternative to bifocals depends on various factors, including your vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health. At Tersigni Vision, we’re committed to guiding you through this decision-making process, providing a comprehensive eye examination and personalized recommendations. By opting for RLE or Blended LASIK, you’re embracing a future with clearer, more dynamic visual perception tailored specifically to your life.

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More FAQs About The Problems With Bifocals

Why do I experience dizziness with bifocals?

Dizziness is a common issue when adjusting to bifocals due to the different lens powers for near and far vision. If dizziness persists, exploring alternatives like Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK could provide a more seamless visual transition without the discomfort associated with bifocals.

Can bifocals cause headaches?

Yes, bifocals can cause headaches as your eyes and brain adjust to the new visual zones. This is typically temporary. If headaches continue, it may be worth considering more permanent solutions like Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK, which can address the need for bifocals and potentially reduce or eliminate these headaches.

Do bifocals worsen presbyopia over time?

No, bifocals do not worsen presbyopia. They are designed to correct vision affected by presbyopia. However, presbyopia progresses naturally with age. At Tersigni Vision, we offer Refractive Lens Exchange and Blended LASIK, providing a more stable long-term solution compared to bifocals.

How long does it take to adjust to bifocals?

Adjustment times vary, but many people adapt to bifocals within a few weeks. If the adjustment period extends beyond a few weeks, alternatives like Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK at Tersigni Vision may offer a more comfortable visual experience.

Why do I struggle with depth perception when wearing bifocals?

The transition zone in bifocals can alter depth perception as your eyes switch between different lens powers. This can affect activities requiring precise depth judgment. Tersigni Vision’s Blended LASIK or RLE procedures may minimize or eliminate these issues by providing a more uniform field of vision.

Can bifocals affect balance?

Yes, the adjustment to viewing through bifocals can temporarily impact your balance and spatial awareness, especially on stairs or uneven surfaces. Tersigni Vision recommends a cautious approach during the adaptation period. For those who continue to struggle, our Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK surgeries might offer a more stable solution without the bifocal transition.

Why does text appear blurry in my bifocals?

Blurry text can result from not properly aligning your eyes with the correct part of the bifocal lens. This issue is often resolved with practice and proper fitting. However, if the problem persists, Tersigni Vision can assess your vision needs and discuss whether Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK would be more effective for you.

Are bifocals supposed to make things look smaller?

Bifocals can slightly alter the size perception of objects, especially when looking through the reading portion of the lens. This effect is due to the lens power needed for near-vision correction. If this becomes bothersome, Tersigni Vision’s advanced vision correction procedures, like Refractive Lens Exchange, can provide a more natural visual experience.

How can I tell if my bifocals are incorrectly fitted?

Incorrectly fitted bifocals can cause discomfort, headaches, or inadequate vision correction. Signs include having to tilt your head unnaturally to see clearly or bifocal lenses that sit too high or low. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor to ensure your eyewear fits perfectly or to discuss if you’re a candidate for procedures like Refractive Lens Exchange or Blended LASIK for a more permanent fix.

Will switching from bifocals to progressive lenses help?

Progressive lenses offer a gradient of vision correction without visible lines, which some find easier to adapt to than bifocals. However, they also require an adjustment period and may not suit everyone. At Tersigni Vision, we provide personalized consultations to explore alternatives like Refractive Lens Exchange and Blended LASIK to help you find the best solution for your vision needs.

source https://www.tersignivision.com/custom-lens-replacement/what-are-the-problems-with-bifocals/

How do I know if I qualify for LASIK? 9 Things to Know About LASIK Candidacy

Undergoing LASIK surgery is an important decision that can significantly improve your visual perception and quality of life by correcting your vision. To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK, an advanced form of refractive surgery in ophthalmology, you need to consider several factors, from your eye health to the stability of your visual acuity. At Tersigni Vision, we prioritize a personalized approach, ensuring that each patient receives a thorough assessment and a clear understanding of what to expect from the procedure. If you’re curious about LASIK and wondering if it’s right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our expert team to get all the answers customized specifically for your vision needs. Call Tersigni Vision today to schedule your LASIK consultation.

How do I know if I qualify for LASIK?

1. You’re the right age.

To qualify for LASIK, you need to be at least 18 years old, which is when eyesight has typically stabilized. The effectiveness of LASIK does not diminish significantly with age, allowing many adults, even those in their 40s and beyond, to achieve satisfying results. We take into account your age and eyesight stability, and will offer a tailored procedure to your exact needs.

2. Your eyes are healthy.

To qualify for LASIK, your eyes must be healthy. If you are dealing with conditions such as eye infections, severe dry eyes, or conjunctivitis, you will need to wait until these issues have completely resolved before undergoing the procedure.

At Tersigni Vision will do a full medical eye history with you to ensure your eyes are healthy and ready for LASIK.

3. Your vision prescription is stable.

A stable prescription is crucial for qualifying for LASIK at Tersigni Vision. Candidates should have had a stable prescription for at least a year prior to the surgery. If your prescription is still changing significantly at each annual eye exam, it may be advisable to wait until it stabilizes before considering LASIK. This is critical because the LASIK procedure corrects your vision based on your current prescription, and fluctuations in your vision post-surgery could necessitate further enhancements.

4. Your corneas are thick enough.

Corneal thickness plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for LASIK at Tersigni Vision. The LASIK procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct vision, but if your cornea is too thin, it might not be possible to achieve the desired results through standard LASIK. Fortunately, advancements in LASIK technology now allow for the treatment of patients with thinner corneas than were previously considered suitable. Typically, the average corneal thickness ranges from 540 to 550 microns, and recent developments in laser technology have expanded the possibilities for patients within this range and slightly below.

5. You don’t have severe dry eye.

If you have dry eye syndrome or a history of dry eyes, recovery from LASIK may present additional challenges, but it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from undergoing the procedure. As part of the pre-LASIK screening, we thoroughly assess for signs of dry eye. For those prone to this condition, our doctors often recommend treatments to manage and mitigate dry eye symptoms before proceeding with LASIK. Common interventions include the use of artificial tears and nutritional supplements, which can help stabilize your eye health and improve your eligibility for successful LASIK surgery. In addition, there are other modern vision correction procedures that may be more suitable for those with concerns about dry eye.

6. Your eye prescription is within certain limits.

LASIK at Tersigni Vision can correct a wide range of vision problems, but for optimal results, there are limits on how high your corrective lens prescription can be, including those for contact lenses. The excimer lasers we use are FDA-approved to address up to +6.00 diopters of farsightedness, -12 diopters of nearsightedness, and 6.00 diopters of astigmatism. It’s important to note, however, that these parameters might vary based on your specific eye health, the surgical techniques used, and the detailed evaluation conducted by our eye doctors and LASIK specialists. Each patient’s candidacy for LASIK is determined on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safest and most effective outcome. The best news is Tersigni Vision offers multiple LASIK alternatives if you have a high prescription including SMILE and EVO ICL.

7. You’re not pregnant.

If you are pregnant or nursing, it might not be the right time to undergo a LASIK evaluation at Tersigni Vision, due to the hormonal changes that can temporarily alter your vision and prescription. We recommend waiting until after your pregnancy and nursing period have concluded before considering LASIK. Once these stages are over, and depending on the findings from your initial evaluation, our eye doctors or LASIK specialists might suggest allowing a few months for your eyes to stabilize back to their normal condition before proceeding with the surgery. This ensures that the corrections made during the LASIK procedure are accurate and effective.

8.You’re generally healthy.

Qualifying for LASIK at Tersigni Vision requires not only healthy eyes but also overall good health. If you have any medical conditions that might hinder your body’s ability to heal, it’s crucial to discuss these with your doctor and inform your LASIK surgeon. Conditions such as autoimmune diseases like HIV/AIDS or lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and chronic pain conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, or migraines may impact your suitability for LASIK. These conditions can affect how well you recover from surgery and could make LASIK less effective or advisable. It’s important to evaluate these health aspects thoroughly during your consultation to ensure the best possible outcomes.

9. You’ve done your research and are ready.

The final step in determining if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery at Tersigni Vision involves doing thorough research and preparing yourself. It’s essential to educate yourself about LASIK, consult with your eye doctor, and visit a LASIK surgeon equipped with a list of questions you’d like answered. Being well-informed and proactive about understanding the procedure, its benefits, and potential risks will help you make an informed decision about whether LASIK is suitable for you. This educational component is a core belief at Tersigni Vision. If you’re ready to explore your options further and assess your candidacy for LASIK, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Tersigni Vision. We’ll answer all your questions to help you feel confident about your procedure choice.

What do I do if I think I am a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

That’s great! If you are considering LASIK surgery and live near Portland, Oregon, Dr. Tersigni is here to guide you through every step of the process. Our comprehensive Advanced Ocular Analysis is the leading standard in assessing your LASIK readiness due to its breadth and depth. Dr. Tersigni will review your results with you and see if you are candidate for LASIK or a LASIK alternative procedure. Because we offer the broadest selection of procedures in Portland, you have the best opportunity to have the exact procedure you need. Your vision health is our priority, and we’re dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to make a well-informed decision. Take the first step towards clearer vision by reaching out to us for a comprehensive consultation. Our expert team is ready to assess your suitability for LASIK and answer any questions you may have. Contact Tersigni Vision today to schedule your appointment and explore how LASIK can enhance your quality of life.

Come see what you’re missing.

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What if I am not a good candidate for LASIK? There are alternatives!

Many people have been told they aren’t a good candidate for LASIK and give up hope on vision correction procedures. There is good news. There are many modern LASIK alternatives like SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange/Custom Lens Replacements and other state of the art treatments that can be utilized when LASIK cannot. Many vision correction practices, who only offer LASIK, will tell you that you aren’t a candidate and send you on your merry way. It’s because LASIK is their only option. Don’t give up. There are many vision correction options at Tersigni Vision that can work safely and effectively. Tersigni Vision offers the fullest spectrum of laser vision correction procedures anywhere in Portland. Come get your Advanced Ocular Analysis and a consultation with Dr. Tersigni. He will educate you on the best alternative procedure options for you, even if someone told you aren’t a LASIK candidate.

FAQ’s About How Do I Know If I Qualify For LASIK

What eye conditions disqualify you from LASIK?

Certain eye conditions can disqualify you from undergoing LASIK, a procedure approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include severe signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, cataracts, glaucoma with high eye pressure, and any retinal diseases. At Tersigni Vision, a thorough examination by our surgeon will determine if any of these conditions affect your suitability for LASIK and if another procedure may be more appropriate.

Does having astigmatism exclude me from LASIK surgery?

Not at all. LASIK, a type of refractive surgery, can effectively correct astigmatism, a common refractive error, alongside other issues corrected by eyeglass prescriptions. Tersigni Vision utilizes advanced laser technology tailored to correct the unique imperfections of your eye, including astigmatism.

Can I get LASIK if I have very high myopia?

High myopia does present challenges, but LASIK might still be an option depending on the thickness of your cornea and the degree of myopia measured in dioptres. At Tersigni Vision, we assess such cases individually to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes.

Is there a minimum age requirement for LASIK?

Yes, generally patients must be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK because the vision must be stable.

Can previous eye surgeries affect my eligibility for LASIK?

Previous eye surgeries, including photorefractive keratectomy, can affect your LASIK eligibility, particularly if they have altered the shape or tissue health of your cornea. Tersigni Vision will conduct a detailed assessment of your eye history to determine if LASIK is advisable.

How does pregnancy affect LASIK eligibility?

Pregnancy and nursing can cause temporary vision changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Tersigni Vision advises waiting several months after nursing has concluded to ensure your vision has stabilized before considering LASIK.

What is the upper age limit for LASIK surgery?

There is no upper age limit for LASIK, but older patients often have other eye conditions that might need to be addressed first. Tersigni Vision evaluates these patients on a case-by-case basis to ensure optimal outcomes.

Can LASIK correct presbyopia (aging eyes)?

LASIK cannot correct presbyopia directly, but procedures like monovision LASIK, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, might be an option. Tersigni Vision offers consultations to discuss alternatives suitable for aging eyes.

What if my vision hasn’t been stable for a year?

Stability in your glasses prescription for at least a year is crucial for a successful LASIK outcome. Tersigni Vision recommends waiting until your prescription stabilizes to proceed with LASIK for the best long-term results. If you have any questions regarding this, don’t hesitate to call us and ask.

Are there lifestyle considerations that might affect my LASIK eligibility?

Yes, lifestyle factors such as engaging in contact sports or having a job that puts you at risk for facial injuries might affect your suitability for LASIK. Tersigni Vision evaluates these factors during your consultation to ensure that LASIK is a practical option for you. There are many procedures Dr. Tersigni can choose from to best meet your lifestyle.

source https://www.tersignivision.com/lasik/how-do-i-know-if-i-qualify-for-lasik-9-things-to-know-about-lasik-candidacy/