Perhaps the most ir­refutable sign of middle age for me was getting pro­gres­sive lenses six months ago.

I had noticed for several months that I was having a little difficulty with smaller print, and a visit to the op­tometrist confirmed that I needed reading glasses. Now I’m near-sighted and far-sighted, all at the same time.

The new glasses took some getting used to. I had been accustomed to looking through any part of the lens. Now I had to tilt my head downwards rather than simply turn my eyes down, if I wanted to look at the floor, or I’d be looking through the short-distance reading portion.

These lenses are also noticeably heavier than my older glasses. On a couple of occasions, I’ve had to wear different glasses for a few days, to give a rest to the pressure spots on the bridge of my nose.