A 1981 graduate of the Southern California College of Optometry, Dr. Ziegler is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the senior partner in a group private practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is on advisory panels for Essilor and VisionWeb, an ecommerce site for eye care.

As an associate clinical professor to the Southern College of Optometry and Pacific University College of Optometry, he teaches fourth year optometry students at his office. He has published and lectured on a variety of topics ranging from peripheral retinal disease, contact lenses, and practice management.

He has served as a contributing editor for several optometric journals and is the team optometrist for the Saturn Cycling Team, Milwaukee Wave Professional Indoor Soccer Team, Milwaukee Brewers, Marquette University Basketball Team, and the NBA Milwaukee Bucks.

Dr. Ziegler answers some commonly asked questions about the condition of presbyopia.

Q: Many people notice their eyesight getting worse between the ages of 40 and 50. What causes this?

Dr. Ziegler:
Our close-up vision deteriorates after the age of 40. For example, you may find yourself having to strain to read a menu. So you compensate by holding printed materials further and further away to bring them into focus.

This is a sign of a natural eye condition that everyone faces sooner or later. The condition is called presbyopia.

Q: How does one know if they are suffering from presbyopia?

Dr. Ziegler:
Presbyopia is a universal condition associated with the eyes' diminishing ability over time to focus on near objects. Our close-up sight is what's affected first. Within a few years, our mid-distance vision from 2-10 feet is also affected. This results in difficulty reading items on your computer screen, your car dashboard ... even the buttons on your VCR.

Q: What can be done to treat presbyopia and its effects?

Dr. Ziegler:
Presbyopia is a natural condition, but it can be corrected with proper diagnosis and corrective lenses. And while many types of lenses can help with some of the symptoms of presbyopia, only progressive lenses allow you to see near, far and everything in between… with one pair of lenses.

Q: To correct the effects of presbyopia, some people choose inexpensive solutions like single vision reading glasses. What are the consequences?

Dr. Ziegler:
Choosing single vision glasses often means the wearer may have to depend on two or three pairs of glasses. (For instance, one for reading, one for the computer, and one for driving.) Some people use the inexpensive reading glasses that can be purchased at a drugstore. But they could have adverse side effects like headaches and eyestrain.

These over-the-counter reading glasses have poor optical performance and have the same power with both lenses. The likelihood of a person needing the identical prescription for both eyes is not very high. Also, most people have a small amount of astigmatism, which is when the front of the eye is not perfectly round. Over-the-counter glasses don't correct for that either.

Q: What are the best options available in treating presbyopia?

Dr. Ziegler:
Progressive lenses are becoming increasingly popular. These lenses disguise the fact you are wearing reading glasses while providing clear vision up close, far away and everything in between.

Custom-made by a trained eye care professional, progressive lenses suit the special requirements of your work, leisure, hobby and home environment with one pair of glasses.

Varilux lenses are the most advanced progressive lenses available. I believe they are the next best thing to natural vision. They're easy for your eyes to adapt to. Plus, they are simply the most effective and comfortable way to treat presbyopia.

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