So, the inevitable has happened. You’d been struggling to read the newspaper every morning, but you dismissed it as a minor inconvenience. You even had difficulty going through printed receipts. Also, your eyes have trouble focusing on the menu at your favorite restaurant.

That’s when you decided to see an eye care specialist. And the optometrist’s verdict is that you have presbyopia. They’ve already given you a prescription for bifocal eyeglasses. Now, you have no choice but to resign to fate and settle for a pair of thick black eyeglasses that’ll become the most tell-tale sign of your age.

Bifocal Eyeglasses: Your New Companion for Middle Age

Getting a pair of bifocal eyeglasses is an unavoidable part of middle age. As you age, your eyes lose the ability to focus on nearby and distant objects. That necessitates the need for specialized bifocal glasses.

But just because your eyes need a bit of help to focus better, it doesn’t have to take a toll on your style quotient. You simply have to know how to choose frames for bifocal lenses that won’t make you look old and outdated.

The good news is that the landscape of bifocals has evolved. Today, you can choose from a wide array of frame shapes and styles that’ll make you look more fashionable. All you need is a clear idea of how to choose eyeglasses that suit your face shape and skin tone.

You might also have to consider your lifestyle, profession, and other factors before zeroing in on your glasses.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of bifocal eyeglasses to help you select a pair that’s smart and stylish. Let’s get started.

Bifocal Lenses: The Available Options

Traditional bifocal lenses have two distinct prescriptions for each half of the lens. While the top half corrects for farsightedness, the bottom half corrects for nearsightedness. These lenses have a clear line that demarcates the two different prescriptions.

Depending on the shape of the bottom half, traditional bifocal lenses are categorized as:

• Half-moon
• Round
• Ribbon segment
• Executive segment

Irrespective of the shape, anyone who looks at your glasses will know that you’re wearing bifocals. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to flaunt your eyeglasses without giving away your age?

That’s where progressive or no-line bifocals step into the picture. Made using advanced technology, these lenses feature a gradual change in magnification and strength. They correct for near, intermediate, and distance vision.

The best part is that progressive lenses don’t have a distinct line to separate the different magnifications. Visually, they appear the same as a regular pair of eyeglasses.

Progressive lenses come at a higher price point. But if you want the best blend of style and functionality, they’re worth the investment.

How to Select a Frame for Your Bifocal Eyeglasses?

We can’t discuss how to choose eyeglasses for a bifocal prescription without mentioning eyeglass frames.

Of course, when someone mentions bifocal eyeglasses, your mind instantly conjures the image of an old man wearing a chunky black rectangular frame. It’s the kind of glasses you’ve likely seen your grandparents wear.

The good news is that you don’t have to stick to those archaic frame shapes. Instead, you can choose from a vast gamut of designs, styles, and colors that fit your personal style – and how you want to be perceived in the workplace.

The first rule of thumb is to find the right glasses for your face shape. If you’ve been blessed with an oval face, you can rock almost any type of eyeglass frame, such as wayfarers and aviators.

On the other hand, if you have a square or rectangular face, choose round eyeglass frames that’ll accentuate your sharp jawline. The idea is to use your glasses to highlight your best facial features.

Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different colors. Your options aren’t limited to neutral greys and browns. Depending on your skin tone, you could opt for unconventional colors, such as coral and red. Or you could choose the classic tortoiseshell for a subtly eye-catching look.

Take Time to Adjust

Even if you’ve worn glasses for decades, adjusting to bifocals can be tricky. The mix of different prescriptions can make it interfere with your ability to perform routine activities. Also, it could cause side effects, such as headache, nausea, and blurred vision.

That’s why it is important to give yourself adequate time to adjust to your new eyeglasses. Wear them for a couple of hours every morning. Gradually increase the duration to let your eyes get comfortable with the lenses.

Wearing bifocal eyeglasses is nothing short of a rite of passage. Make the most of it by exploring your options in terms of lenses and frame shapes. Also, take your time to get comfortable wearing the glasses.