What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition that gradually can set in with age. It impairs a person’s sight by making close objects appear blurry and unfocused, this is also referred to as farsightedness. Farsightedness usually appears around 40 years old and can worse for a time until about 65 year old. This particular farsightedness is caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye. Unfortunately this condition can not be cured but there are treatments available that can help improve vision. 

This can usually be self-diagnosed. Things like having to hold a book or newspaper at arm’s length to read it are a sign that you may have presbyopia. Other symptoms include blurry vision when looking at something normal reading distance away or headaches and eyestrain when working on something close to your face. These symptoms may potentially worse in dim lightings or if you are tired. If you have any of these symptoms, get a basic eye exam, these can confirm your suspicions. 

There are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing presbyopia. Age is a huge factor, most people over 40 will experience farsightedness. Having other medical conditions is also a risk factor. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, or already having existing farsightedness increase your risk of premature presbyopia. This is presbyopia that occurs in people younger than 40. 

Presbyopia can be treated in a few different ways. There are corrective glasses or contact lenses, getting lens implants, and undergoing refractive surgery. One of the simplest things to do is buy some non-prescription reading glasses that are just strong enough to correct your vision (if you had good vision before the development of farsightedness). Be sure to tell your doctor about any Orem Lasik surgerys you have had done. If you already had vision problems look into getting some prescription glasses, be sure to consult your doctor before buying any type of eyewear.