Eventually, every one of us would face a situation when one has to hold a book further away to read it or when one has to strain eyes to recognize smaller text.
Often you may ask yourself whether it is a normal part of aging or some severe eye disease? You wonder what causes the state when you see nearby objects or small letters less clearly and, of course, search for ways to prevent or cure it.
Currently, researchers estimate more than 2 billion people are suffering from farsightedness. As people tend to live longer, the problem has become more widespread. It may not be something that can be prevented forever, but with knowledge, one can still delay the onset and manage the condition better.
What is the definition of age-related farsightedness?
Age-related farsightedness or presbyopia means a gradual decrease in the ability of the lens to focus. It happens due to the stiffening of the lens because of age-related changes in the proteins and water content of the lens.
What symptoms may you have?
The most common symptom of presbyopia is when your eyesight worsens with age. Often it occurs after 40. But not all of us know that this condition has a number of specific symptoms. They are the following:
- Blurred vision;
- Difficulties in seeing nearby objects;
- Problems with reading or writing as small letters are fading;
- Difficulties in working with small objects like knitting, embroidery, sculpturing, drawing, etc.
- Frequent headaches;
- Eye tiredness;
- Feeling uncomfortable when reading or doing other near vision tasks;
- Need for brighter lighting when reading, writing or doing close work;
If you are in your mid-forties and if you suffer from one or more symptoms listed above, it probably means you have farsightedness.
What causes age-related farsightedness?
Presbyopia concerns thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye. It is a natural age-related process that occurs because of protein deposits in the lens. It gradually makes the lens harder and less elastic.
Also, over time, some changes take place in the muscle fibers surrounding your eyes. To see close objects, this muscle contracts making the lens curve and thicken. Since the muscle gets weaker, it does not work correctly.
Hard, inflexible lens and weak muscles around your eyes make it difficult for the eyes to focus on nearby objects causing age-related farsightedness.
What to do?
If you are diagnosed with presbyopia, you have to understand that no cure exists. But there are several effective treatments that may help you correct your vision and live fully. Considering your condition and lifestyle, you may choose the method that is the most relevant for you.
Some of the commonly used ways to correct the farsightedness are:
Reading glasses, usually called nonprescription glasses. You can buy them at most supermarkets or drug stores. They work best for readings or close tasks. When buying a pair of reading glasses, try different degrees of magnification. Choose the lowest one that allows you to read small prints comfortably.
Prescription glasses. If you cannot find reading glasses with an appropriate degree of magnification, you will need a prescription to buy a pair of glasses to feel comfortable. Consultation of a optometrist or ocular specialist is especially important if you have other eye problems. Professional treatment will help you restore clear near vision and provide an excellent view at all distances.
Contact lenses are also used to correlate eyesight in people with presbyopia. This option is available for those who do not want to wear glasses. But remember that as you get older, your condition will worsen, and you will need a stronger correlation.
Surgery is also an option nowadays. Slowly it is getting more prevalent among people who do not want to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some procedures, like laser surgery or intracorneal implants, solve the problem temporary. Others, including intraocular lens implants, offer a permanent solution.
Can I prevent age-related farsightedness?
You cannot prevent age-related changes in your eyes, but you can protect your vision and postpone the unpleasant process. Here are the steps to be taken:
- Get regular eye comprehensive exam;
- Control chronic diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure;
- Wear sunglasses;
- Prevent eye injury;
- Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and beta carotene;
- Use good lighting when reading or doing close work;
- Tell your optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision.
Although farsightedness is unavoidable, and it is a normal change in your eyes, it can cause significant emotional stress as you face the irreversible process of aging. Take it easy and follow your eye doctor’s recommendations, to live comfort life, and enjoy it.
In this context, eye care should be a part of Age-related farsightedness or presbyopia program to help people function healthily throughout their lifetime and remain as active as possible. We are located in Santa Ana and for more information, please visit us at Eyeschoice Optometry