I have always been thankful for my good vision. I’ve never had to wear glasses and have always been able to see everything clearly.
Last year, when my daughter was taking an eye test, I read the eye charts to myself as she was tested.
As I realized that I could read the tiniest little letters from across the room, I was happy about how good my eyesight still was.
Except. It’s not.
Lately, I’ve been finding myself doing that old-lady-hold-the-medicine-bottle-at-arm’s-length thing.
And when I’m reading paperwork or books, I find myself holding the papers farther away than I have in the past.
As it turns out, I’m starting to experience something very common in adults – presbyopia.
Presbyopia is an eye condition that involves the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to actively focus on close objects. It often begins in the early to mid 40s and affects nearly 1.7 billion people worldwide. The first signs of presbyopia are difficulty seeing in dim light, eyestrain, and problems focusing on fine print or small objects..
But who wants to start wearing reading glasses so early?
Not many, as a study by Alcon and Jacksonville University revealed. Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, wanted to understand the perceptions of aging among the Gen X (38-54 years old) population. They found in the study that:
– One in four of the respondents thought that reading glasses make people look at least 10 years older, even though 50% of adults wear them.
– Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) said that they’d consider avoiding reading glasses if they knew it made them look older.
– Many adults take steps to alter their appearance in an attempt to look younger, including 42% dyeing their hair and 37% wearing youthful outfits.
– A majority of adults value looking younger (68%), but almost half don’t feel younger than their actual age (49%).
– Facelifts and teeth whitening are popular, but some of the most expensive ways to help look younger, but there is a much easier way to look younger – removing their readers.
Alcon, the global leader in eye care, has given us an option to get rid of the reading glasses and wear Alcon® Multifocal contact lenses instead. Available in daily disposable and monthly wear options, the contact lenses are the perfect way to correct the vision of people affected by presbyopia.
Learn more about the Alcon Multifocal contact and receive a free† trial LoseYourReaders.com..
Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care, and safety information. Important Information for AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal (lotrafilcon B) contact lenses: Breathable* contacts for daily wear or up to 6 nights extended wear for near/far-sightedness, and presbyopia. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Side effects like discomfort, mild burning, or stinging may occur.*High oxygen transmissible lenses. Dk/t=138 @ -3.00D. †Eye †Eye exam may be required. Professional fees may apply. At participating offices.