Is Close-Up Vision Worse with Contacts? Understanding Common Issues and Solutions

Many people report experiencing difficulty with close-up vision when wearing contact lenses, particularly those designed for distance vision. This article delves into the common reasons behind this issue and provides potential solutions to improve your vision both near and far.

Understanding the Common Issues

Age, prescription, and natural eye conditions can all contribute to this issue. If you are near or above 40, the problem might be presbyopia - an age-related difficulty in focusing on nearby objects. This condition occurs as the lens inside the eye hardens, making it harder for the eye muscles to adjust the focus.

Here are some scenarios that can explain the described issue:

1. Incorrect Prescription of Contact Lenses

If your contact lenses are over-prescribed, they might cause near vision to become blurry. Consider the option of lowering the prescription slightly. This can help in reducing the strain on your eyes and improve close-up vision.

2. Uncorrected Astigmatism

Another possible reason could be uncorrected astigmatism. If you have astigmatism and the prescription in your contact lenses is not sufficient, it can lead to blurred vision, especially for near tasks.

It is important to have a comprehensive eye examination to check for any underlying conditions that might be causing this issue.

Presbyopia and Close-Up Vision

Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that affects the flexibility of the eye muscles and the lens. Over 40, it becomes increasingly common to experience difficulty in focusing on nearby objects. Contact lenses designed for distance vision can exacerbate this problem, as they do not offer the necessary adjustment for close-up vision.

In many cases, people in the early stages of presbyopia can still focus on nearby objects without glasses or lenses. However, as the condition progresses, it becomes more challenging to do so, leading to the need for reading glasses or multifocal lenses.

Common Symptoms and Observations

It is not uncommon to find that close-up vision worsens with contact lenses. Several observations have been noted:

1. Not Abnormal, Depending on Your Vision

The range at which an eye can focus without aids is generally described as the 'near point of convergence'. For a 30-year-old with perfect vision, this is typically about 11 cm (4.3 inches). If you cannot focus clearly closer than this without myopia, it would be considered 'normal'. However, if you are myopic (nearsighted), your close focus limit without lenses will be closer than the 'normal' limit.

Some individuals, even with a slight myopia, can focus clearly at less than 11 cm, but the use of contact lenses may increase this distance to 12 cm or more. If your close focus limit with lenses is significantly higher than 20 cm (8 inches), it might suggest that your lenses are over-prescribed or you are experiencing early onset presbyopia.

2. Impact of Contact Lenses on Accommodation

Wearing contact lenses may reduce the ability of the eye to adjust for near vision. This can be observed as a slight blur when focusing on nearby objects, even with lenses designed for distance vision.

Personal experiences suggest that this issue can vary from individual to individual. While some individuals might find it easier to focus on nearby objects with contact lenses, others may experience worse vision when wearing them.

Conclusion

It is important to address concerns about close-up vision with contact lenses by consulting an eye care professional. They can provide a thorough assessment and suggest appropriate corrective measures. Whether it is adjusting the prescription, correcting astigmatism, or accommodating presbyopia, there are solutions available to improve your vision both near and far.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit your nearest eye care facility.