Regan wrote:
My prescription is -4.5 and -5 with a small degree of astigmatism). As I enter my mid-40s I also find my close vision is slowly getting worse, especially in poor light but it’s only starting to be inconvenient, mostly when I wear my contact lenses. I found the disorientation of bifocals too much for the moment, and they aren’t quite necessary since I can peek over the top of my glasses for the most part.

I tried on pinhole glasses at the store and they corrected my vision quite effectively (while standing there and testing my ability to read fine print at the counter and see the back of the store too - I don’t know how well it would work at my computer or daily life). I’d like to know more about their uses. Having used cameras, I understand how they work in terms of changing the aperture of the eye, but I’d like to know if there are developmental risks or benefits involved, and how they can best be used. I’m not looking for a miracle to replace my glasses and contacts, but I do feel that my lifelong dependence on glasses has worsened my vision, and I can also foresee situation where using pinhole glasses would be less of a strain (like cooking while also reading from a recipe). If they would also slow down or prevent further deterioration that would be an added bonus. Thanks.

ANSWER

Regan,

It is very normal for you, in your mid 40s, to be having problems with close (near) vision, and this is always more evident with contact lenses.  Speak to your Optometrist about a change to your contacts so that you can read.    We often use bifocal contact lenses or a technique called Monovision where one eye sees close up and the other far away.

I would not recommend pinhole glasses for any sustained activity.  The strain of trying to find the little holes would negate any benefits, as well as having to change to your regular glasses in order to walk or move around your office or kitchen.  I am not aware of any scientific studies which purport the use of pinhole glasses. Most often they are used as a novelty, party trick, item.  We have not found a way to stop the changes in near vision, since they are linked to aging.

Dr. Joan Hansen - Optometrist, for CAO

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