If you’re getting older or are above 40 and noticing that things are looking a little blurry – or blurrier than usual – you might be experiencing presbyopia. While it can be frustrating and worrisome, don’t panic! It’s a normal part of aging and there are ways to help you deal with it. Read all about presbyopia and what to do about it here.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a condition that affects your ability to see objects that are close up. It’s a normal part of aging and it typically occurs in people that are over the age of 40. With presbyopia, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on objects that are close. This makes it hard to read small print or perform tasks that require looking at something up close.
Presbyopia can usually be corrected with glasses, surgery, or contact lenses.
Causes and Symptoms of Presbyopia
Simply put, aging causes presbyopia. What happens is the lens of the eye loses elasticity and becomes unable to focus, making close-up objects look blurry. The lens of the eye is a clear, flexible structure that helps to focus light onto the retina. The lens in young eyes can change shape easily, focusing on objects at various distances without issue.
Unfortunately, as we age, the lens becomes less flexible, and not able to change shape so easily. Ultimately, this makes it more difficult to focus on things that are right in front of us. It’s not an indication of poor eye health; it’s just a part of getting older.
The main symptom of presbyopia is this difficulty seeing objects that are close up. Other symptoms include:
- Eyestrain or fatigue when reading or performing tasks that require close vision
- Difficulty seeing small print or fine details
- Squinting to see objects that are up close
- Headaches when reading or performing tasks using your close vision
- The need to hold reading material further away in order to see it clearly
- The need for brighter light when reading or performing tasks that require close vision
- Unchanged distant vision but near vision is getting blurry
If you’re over 40 and experiencing any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Presbyopia Treatment
There is no way to stop presbyopia as it’s a natural process. But, your vision can be corrected with:
- Bifocal, trifocal, or progressive glasses
- Contact lenses
- Reading glasses
- Refractive surgery
If you think you need glasses because you have presbyopia and it’s your first time wearing glasses, check out our article What to Expect When Getting Eyeglasses for the First Time.
Glasses and Lenses for Presbyopia
Presbyopia should never hold you back from doing the things you love and living your life! Find your local Hakim Optical to book an eye exam and get the best treatment option for you. Whether you choose glasses or contact lenses, Hakim Optical has a variety of choices in store.
Book your eye exam and get back to what you love!
Hakim Optical has provided Canadians with quality corrective lenses at a value that can’t be beat for over 55 years. Our knowledgeable staff and optometrists are here to help you find an eyewear solution tailored specifically to you.