Health Resources

Meaning “elderly eye” in Greek, presbyopia is an eye condition that mostly affects people from the age of forty years and upwards. The main symptoms are blurred vision when carrying out an activity such as reading a book or using a computer. Unfortunately, presbyopia cannot be prevented, but the symptoms can be controlled to an extent.

Most people that suffer from presbyopia first realize that something is wrong when they start having to read a book or newspaper at arms length as when they are held any closer the words just appear all fuzzy. If the individual tries to strain their eyes to focus then they are likely to experience headaches.

The causes for presbyopia are different than those that cause farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These eye complaints are mostly due to genetic factors or an irregular shape in the eyeball, while presbyopia is due to a change in the proteins present in the eye lens resulting in a thickening of the layer. Also it can be due to a weakening in the muscle fibers that surround the lens which causes a loss of elasticity.

To counteract the vision loss caused by presbyopia there are a number of treatments that are available. Perhaps the most common is to be prescribed eyewear. These are usually either bifocal lenses, or what is called progressive addition lenses.

Bifocal lenses have been commonly used for many years. They work by having two different strength prescriptions within a single lens. The top half will be the right value to improve your long distance vision while the lower half will be specifically for observing up close. The progressive addition lenses do not have such a discernible change in the power of the lens; instead the value gradually changes from top to bottom.

If you believe that there is nothing currently wrong with your distant vision, then you can simply wear reading glasses when you require improving the way in which you see objects and matter up close. Also reading glasses can be used by people that wear contact lenses who also suffer from presbyopia.

It is a fact of life that as we get older our eye sight will worsen. Whatever type of eyewear you use, it is important to have regular check ups so as you can be sure that you have the correct prescription.

There are now also surgical options for people with presbyopia. There is what is known as Conductive Keratoplasty treatment which involves the use of radio waves to alter the curve of the cornea. Another option is LASIK surgery which again changes the shape of the cornea, but this time using laser pulses.

To learn more about your eyes as the years progress be sure to visit us online where you will find all the latest about presbyopia and how you can benefit from their use.