Seeing Clearly: How to Tackle Presbyopia with Confidence
In Partnership with Johnson & Johnson’s Vision Made Possible
Using your phone torch to read? Holding the menu in a restaurant at arm’s length to see more clearly? Struggling with small print, needing brighter light, and finding fine detail tasks tricky are all signs of presbyopia. Sometimes called farsightedness, presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, caused by age. It is typically noticeable from the early to mid-40s, worsening until around age 65, and affects everyone to some degree.
Research shows that presbyopia significantly impacts quality of life, with over 1.8 billion people affected globally in 2015, projected to rise to over 2 billion by 2030.1,2 Despite this, many remain unaware of the condition, or live with uncorrected presbyopia.2
The Vision Solution
One of the most effective solutions for managing presbyopia is multifocal contact lenses. Designed to correct vision for near, far and in-between, they offer clarity, comfort and convenience without the need for multiple pairs of glasses. An optometrist can recommend tailored options based on lifestyle and vision needs.
Shona's Story: Contact Lenses Provide Vision Clarity and Confidence in Mid-Life
Shona is a 60-year-old self-employed public-sector consultant based in Loch Lomond in the Trossachs, where she has lived with her family for three decades. A lover of the outdoors, she balances her career and family with a range of outdoor activities.
However, Shona started to encounter challenges with her vision as age-related presbyopia set in. Relying solely on varifocal glasses, she found her decreasing vision a real hurdle in daily life, from managing work video calls, to gardening and embarking on outdoor adventures. Activities like reading maps or tracking fitness while walking or running became difficult, with glasses getting in the way. Family skiing holidays also proved challenging as she couldn’t wear glasses under ski goggles, making reading piste maps impossible. Missing essential route and safety information dented her confidence on the slopes, forcing her to rely on following others.
Her knowledge about eye health was limited until a family member suggested contact lenses. Following an ‘eye MOT’ (vision health check) at her local optometrist, Shona was prescribed multifocal contact lenses — a life-changing solution. Her first skiing experience with contact lenses was a "wow moment," and everyday tasks like reading labels while grocery shopping or bathing her grandchild became easier and more enjoyable. The added perk of being able to wear sunglasses with her contact lenses was another bonus.
Shona now recognises the clarity and convenience that multifocal contact lenses offer. They enhance her confidence and independence while being comfortable to wear. Enthusiastic about her experience, she has been encouraging friends and family to explore contact lens options tailored to their vision needs and even persuaded her partner to give them a try!
Looking ahead, Shona plans to expand her outdoor pursuits while continuing to rely on her contact lenses to fully immerse herself in the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and its surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains.
“Shona’s story inspires us to continue working on innovative solutions for people living with presbyopia”, said Chirag Amin, General Manager, UK/Ireland, Vision, Johnson & Johnson. “Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. We have designed our multifocal contact lenses to meet the needs of those who are living with presbyopia to deliver clear, reliable vision3 enabling people to enjoy life without limitations. We will continue to raise awareness around the transformational potential that contact lenses offer, in partnership with eyecare professionals.”
If you’re experiencing signs of presbyopia, book an appointment with your optician. They can assess your vision, explain available options, and recommend the most appropriate corrective solutions to help you see clearly and live confidently.
ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. For detailed product description and safety information, please consult the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website www.e-ifu.com
Markoulli M et al. BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia: Epidemiology and impact. CL and Anterior Eye, 2024; 47 (4)
Wolffsohn J et al. New insights into presbyopia: impact of correction strategies. BMJ Open Ophthalmology. 2023;8.
JJV Data on file 2022. CSM- ACUVUE® PUPIL OPTIMIZED DESIGN Technology: JJVC contact lenses, design features, and associated benefits.
Shona is sharing her story as part of the Johnson & Johnson’s Vision Made Possible programme. For further information about contact lenses, please visit: https://www.acuvue.co.uk/
Veeva Number 2025PP04937