As we age, it's common to experience vision changes, mainly when focusing on near objects. This phenomenon, known as presbyopia, affects all adults over 40.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a progressive loss of the eye's ability to focus on near objects. It's a natural change associated with aging. Unlike other vision problems, such as myopia or hyperopia, presbyopia is not caused by a deformation of the eye but by a reduction in the flexibility of the crystalline lens, the natural lens of the eye.
Causes of presbyopia
The eye's crystalline lens is flexible, and changes shape to focus light and enable sharp vision at different distances. As we age, this crystalline lens becomes more rigid and loses its ability to adapt, making it difficult to focus on near objects. This process begins in the early forties and continues until age 60.
The leading causes of presbyopia include:
- Natural aging: With age, the fibres and proteins of the crystalline lens become denser and stiffer.
- Loss of ciliary muscle strength: The muscles that enable the lens to change shape lose strength over time, making focusing more difficult.
Symptoms of presbyopia
The first signs of presbyopia generally appear around the age of 40. Here are some common symptoms:
- Difficulty reading up close: Words may appear blurred or unclear when reading a book, menu or phone screen.
- Need to hold objects back: You may need to hold objects further away so you can see them.
- Eye fatigue and headaches: Because focusing requires more effort, it's common to experience eye fatigue or headaches after close-up activities.
- Blurred vision at various distances: Sometimes, presbyopia can lead to blurred vision at medium distances.
Diagnosing presbyopia
A complete eye examination is required to tell if you have presbyopia. The Optometrist will evaluate near and distance vision and check the eye's ability to change focus. Commonly used tests include:
- Near reading test: You'll be asked to read text at different distances to assess your ability to focus.
- Refraction: This technique helps determine the prescription needed to correct vision.
- Eye health assessment: An eye health examination is essential to ensure no other associated eye disorders.
Options for correcting presbyopia
While there is no definitive cure for presbyopia, several options exist for correcting near vision and improving quality of life.
- Reading glasses: For those with no other vision problems, reading glasses can be used solely for reading or precision work.
- Progressive lenses: These multifocal lenses offer a smooth transition between near, distance and intermediate vision zones, with no visible lines on the lens.
- Contact lenses: Multifocal lenses or monovision (one lens for distance vision and one for near vision) are popular options for contact lens wearers.
- Refractive surgery: Surgical options such as intraocular lens implantation can be considered for more permanent solutions.
Presbyopia is a natural consequence of aging that affects everyone in their forties. Fortunately, thanks to advances in optometry and various vision correction options, it's possible to continue enjoying excellent near and distance vision.
Talk to your trusted Optometrist to determine the proper correction for you. Regular follow-up is essential to adapting your correction over time and ensuring comfortable daily vision.
