PRESBYOPIA

Presbyopia is a normal vision condition in which the crystalline lens of the eyes loses its flexibility. This results in progressive difficulty in focusing on close objects.

The focus lens inside the eyes, crystalline lens, will start to change with normal aging, this change causes the lens to harden and lose some of its elasticity and therefore some focusing ability.

The development of this condition varies from person to person. Although presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, the actual decline takes place over the course of many years. It usually becomes apparent to people in their early to mid-forties.

Signs and symptoms include the tendency to move reading material away from you to make it clearer. Also holds reading material at arm’s length, blurred vision at normal reading distance, and eye fatigue along with headache when attempting to do close work are all signs of presbyopia.

Unfortunately presbyopia cannot be prevented; it is, as mentioned before, a natural part of aging process, the signs can start at varying ages, the eventual change in the crystalline lens is unavoidable.

Presbyopia is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination by a doctor of optometry will include testing near vision; this will determine the extent, if any, of presbyopia.

As presbyopia can complicate other common condition such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, the doctor will perform other test to determine the specific lenses that will allow you to see clearly and comfortably for your daily visual needs.

Treatment: Doctor of optometric prescribes lenses for near work that include reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive addition lenses or contact lenses.

Presbyopia and losing the flexibility and elasticity of the crystalline lens progress for some time. These changes will affect the ability of the eyes to focus property. As a result, periodic changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses are necessary to maintain good vision.

After adjusting to your new eyewear, you should find that you can still do all the things you did before. Presbyopia will probably not have a significant effect on your lifestyle at all. You should, however, continue to make sure your eyes are staying healthy, as recommended by your doctor.

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