Presbyopia: Understanding the Age-Related Eye Condition and Your Treatment Options

If you're over 40 and have noticed that you need to hold reading material farther away to focus on it, you may be experiencing PRESBYOPIA[1]. It's a common age-related condition that affects the ability to see objects up close, and it affects millions of Australians every year[2]. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that Presbyopia is treatable[3]. In this article, we'll explain what Presbyopia is, its causes, and how it can be corrected to help you maintain good vision and quality of life.

 

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition that affects the eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects, such as reading material, mobile phones, or computers. It's a natural part of the aging process and affects most people over the age of 40. As the eye ages, the lens becomes less flexible and is less able to adjust its shape to focus on close objects [4]. This means that Presbyopia is caused by changes in the eye's lens rather than a disease or injury.

How is Presbyopia Corrected?

Presbyopia can be corrected through various methods, including:

• Reading glasses or bifocals: These lenses are designed to correct vision for close objects and can be helpful for people who only have Presbyopia.
• Progressive lenses: These lenses have a gradual change in power from top to bottom, allowing for clear vision at all distances.
• Contact lenses: Contact lenses can also be used to correct Presbyopia, including multifocal lenses, which allow for clear vision at all distances.
• Refractive surgery: This option involves reshaping the cornea or implanting an artificial lens to improve vision. It may not be suitable for everyone, so it's essential to discuss it with your eye doctor. 

 

What are the main causes of Presbyopia?

The primary cause of Presbyopia is the natural aging process, which leads to the eye's lens becoming less flexible and losing its ability to adjust focus on nearby objects. Age is the chief factor contributing to Presbyopia, affecting most individuals in their 40s or 50s. This condition arises due to the gradual changes occurring in the eye's structure over time. Research indicates a potential hereditary link to Presbyopia, implying a higher likelihood of developing it if your parents experienced it. Additionally, studies suggest that underlying health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases may impact eye health and escalate the risk of Presbyopia. Environmental elements, including prolonged exposure to sunlight or air pollution, might also play a role in its development. These factors, combined with the natural aging process, contribute significantly to the onset of Presbyopia[5].

 

What happens when you have Presbyopia?

Numerous signs and symptoms of presbyopia include:

• Holding things far away while reading small print, such as books, newspapers, and mobile phones.
• Blurred vision when looking at or examining close-up objects.
• Eye strain and headaches, especially when reading or doing close work for an extended period.
• Fatigue and discomfort when working at a computer or other digital device.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek an eye test to diagnose and treat presbyopia. .

Diagnosis and Treatment of Presbyopia

If you suspect you have Presbyopia, the first step is to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. During the exam, the doctor will check your vision and may perform additional tests to evaluate your eye health and diagnose any underlying conditions.

Once diagnosed, Presbyopia can be treated through various methods, as discussed above. Your eye doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your specific needs and preferences.

If you opt for glasses or contact lenses, your eye doctor will perform a refraction and fit you with the appropriate lenses. They may also recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your vision and make any necessary adjustments.

If you opt for refractive surgery, your eye doctor will discuss the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of the procedure. It's important to note that not everyone is a candidate for refractive surgery, and the procedure may not be covered by insurance.

 

Conclusion

Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process that affects millions of Australians every year. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that it is treatable. Whether you opt for glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, there are several ways to correct Presbyopia and maintain good vision and quality of life.

If you experience symptoms of Presbyopia, such as difficulty reading or eye strain, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Don't let Presbyopia hold you back from enjoying your life. You can book a bulk billed eye test with our optometrist online or call us at 03-9702-9118 to get the treatment you need and maintain good vision for years to come.