It's a matter of focus; and sooner or later, "presbyopia" -- the loss of elasticity in the eye's lens -- affects us all, resulting in that temporary blur when switching concentration between things far and near.

It occurs mainly in folks over 40 years of age. The Contact Lens Council [1] says their product is a viable option to bifocals. Headaches, blurred close vision [2], gritty eyes [2] and noticeable eye [2] rubbing while reading are just a few symptoms of presbyopia, the council says.

One choice, bifocal soft lenses, provide two distinct "zones" to help see things near or far, while lenses providing "simultaneous vision" address the need to see both ranges of distance at the same time. Monovision contacts, with a lens to see near is in one eye [2] and a lens to see far is in the other is also an option.

Rigid gas-permeable bifocals, bifocal glasses or half-glasses are also on the list of ways to correct presbyopia. After making the choice to wear contacts, wearers must follow directions from their eye [2] care professional and make periodic check up appointments, the council says.