All about glasses for presbyopia

Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) is a fact of aging that happens to everyone. Fortunately, eyeglasses are a simple way to correct it. Learn what kinds of glasses there are for presbyopia and what other options you have.

Medically reviewed on October 27, 2025
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Published on January 29, 2026
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5 min read

Facts of life: grey hair, wrinkles, and presbyopia

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If you’ve started holding your phone away from your face to be able to read it, you’re not alone. Most people experience this common age-related change called presbyopia when they reach their 40s or 50s. Presbyopia happens because your eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible over time, making it harder to focus on objects that are nearby. The good news is, there are a few different types of glasses designed specifically for those with presbyopia, to help you see clearly again.

Reading glasses—simple and effective

Reading glasses tend to be the simplest and most affordable solution for many people with presbyopia who don’t need other vision correction. Reading glasses are available with different corrective powers, depending on what your eyes need to clearly see close-up objects like books, menus, or your phone. You can buy over-the-counter reading glasses at drugstores or online, but visiting an eye doctor for a prescription helps make sure the glasses you wear are precisely tailored to your eyes. When selecting reading glasses, it’s best to try different strengths until you find the one that feels most comfortable. Testing them with your usual reading material helps ensure they are just right. Remember, these glasses are meant for close-up work and should be removed when you’re looking at distant objects.

Advantages

  • Cost-effective and easy to get
  • Good for occasional or specific close-up tasks
  • Over-the-counter options make access simple

Disadvantages

  • Only suitable for near vision, not for other distances
  • Not ideal if you have other vision correction needs
  • Can be inconvenient if you need to switch glasses often

Bifocals—two powers in the same lens

Bifocals are glasses with two different strengths in one lens. A line on each lens clearly separates the two zones. The upper part helps you see far away, while the lower part helps with close-up tasks like reading. They’re mainly for people who need help both with distance and near vision but prefer to wear one pair of glasses all the time.

Advantages

  • Combines near and far correction in one pair of glasses
  • Cost-effective and simple to use
  • Useful for people who need both corrections regularly

Disadvantages

  • Some wearers find the visible line to be distracting or less attractive
  • Switching focus requires moving your eyes or head
  • May cause image jump or distortion at the line

Trifocals—three powers in the same lens

Trifocals are a traditional type of multifocal lens that contains three distinct zones—one for seeing up close, one for mid-range (like computer distance), and one for distance vision. The lens is divided by visible lines, which clearly separate each zone. Trifocals are particularly useful for people who need help in multiple ranges and prefer a straightforward, segmented design.

Advantages

  • Clear, distinct zones that make it easy to switch focus quickly
  • Generally less expensive than progressive lenses (see below)
  • Provide a reliable, tried-and-true solution for people with complex vision needs

Disadvantages

  • Visible lines, which some find unattractive or distracting
  • The lines can also cause image jump or distortion when your eyes move between zones
  • Might take some time to get used to

Progressive lenses—no lines, multiple strengths

Progressive lenses are a more modern, popular type of multifocal lens. They offer a smooth, gradual transition from the top part of the lens (for distance vision) to the bottom part (for near vision). Unlike trifocals, progressive lenses have no visible lines, giving them a more natural, stylish appearance.

Advantages

  • Wide range of vision correction in one pair of glasses
  • Ideal for people who want to avoid the segmented look of bifocals or trifocals and prefer a more natural appearance

Disadvantages

  • May be more expensive than other options
  • Some users find it takes time to adapt to the different focus areas

Other options for correcting presbyopia

While glasses are one of the most common solutions, they’re not the only way to correct presbyopia.

  • Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative for many people. There are special contact lenses designed specifically for presbyopia, such as multifocal contacts, which work similarly to their glasses counterparts by providing multiple zones of focus. Monovision contact lenses are another option, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, allowing your brain to adapt and combine the images for clear vision at all distances.
    See ACUVUE multifocal contact lenses
  • Surgical options are available for those who want a more permanent solution. Procedures like LASIK or other laser surgeries can correct presbyopia by reshaping the cornea or using advanced intraocular lenses. These options are usually suitable for people who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts, but they require careful evaluation by an eye surgeon.
  • Medicated eye drops are now being used to treat presbyopia. They’re typically twice a day eye drops that decrease the size of your pupils and help you see more clearly.

Talk to your eye doctor about glasses for presbyopia

An older blonde woman has her eyes examined by her eye doctor

Choosing the right presbyopia correction isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, convenience, and protecting your eye health. An eye care professional can perform a thorough exam, determine your specific needs, and recommend the best solution, whether that’s glasses, contacts, or surgery.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What are presbyopia glasses?

They are glasses designed to help people with age-related near vision loss see clearly again, whether through simple reading glasses or more advanced lenses.

Can I use contact lenses for presbyopia?

Yes, presbyopia-specific contact lenses like bifocal or multifocal contacts are available, and monovision contacts are also an option.

Are surgical options effective for presbyopia?

If you’re interested in surgical options, ask your eye doctor if they think it would be right for you. Surgical procedures like LASIK or lens implants can correct presbyopia, but they require careful consultation and aren’t suitable for everyone.

How often should I have my eyes checked?

It’s recommended to visit your eye doctor every one to two years for an exam and to update your prescription as needed.

What’s the best option for me?

That depends on your lifestyle, vision needs, and preferences. Consult your eye care provider to determine the most suitable correction method.

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The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.

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