“My vision is fine, I don’t need glasses…” and “My glasses seem to not be working for me anymore!” These are some of the many remarks we as opticians hear from our patients who are getting closer to the age of 40; the age at which Presbyopia sinks in. Presbyopia is defined as the loss of elasticity of the lens of the aging eyes, occurring typically in middle age starting around the age of 40. Patients visiting our office often notice that it is gradually getting more difficult to read anything within arms reach. They also often complain of eye fatigue and light seeming dimmer. An eye exam is often used to confirm presbyopia.
How Does Presbyopia Affect Aging Eyes?
What is Presbyopia?
“My vision is fine, I don’t need glasses!” We often hear this statement from our patients. As most people are unaware of their deteriorating vision affected by aging eyes. It is not until they are given corrective lenses that they realize how much of a difference wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses can make!
Presbyopia is the vision condition caused when the elasticity of the lens in our eyes decreases over time. It’s a gradual change that occurs naturally. Because it is a progression of ageing eyes, people often don’t realize that they are becoming presbyopic. Often, presbyopia starts with eyestrain or headaches after doing close work. This leads to blurred vision while viewing objects up close or at a normal reading distance.
Presbyopia Slowly Progresses Because of Aging Eyes
“My glasses seem to not be working for me anymore!” Often when patients are currently wearing glasses for distance, they do not notice the eyestrain as early as say someone who is not wearing glasses. Depending on how severe the patients’ prescription is, they can often compensate and delay this eyestrain simply by removing their glasses to see up close. However, it is only a certain amount of time until this patient will require a multifocal pair of eyeglasses or contact lens as their eyes are not able to compensate enough anymore.
Presbyopia Is Different Than Being Farsighted Or Nearsighted
Being farsighted is often confused with being presbyopic. A person who is farsighted (hyperopic) requires eyeglasses or contact lenses to see up close. This can begin as early as infancy years. This differentiates the difference between the two. Presbyopia begins later in life because of the loss of elasticity whereas hyperopia is dependent on the actual shape of the cornea or the length of the eye.
How To Correct Presbyopia
Multifocal eyeglasses or multifocal contact lenses easily correct presbyopia. Your eyeglass prescription determines the type of vision correction which is best for you. Once you’ve seen the eye doctor an optician takes the time to go over your lifestyle and visual needs. There are many different lens options available so it’s best to speak with an eye care expert to help you determine which is the best solution for you!
Article Written By: Brittany Rivette