​​Presbyopia - Why Vision Deteriorates With Age
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As we grow older, it’s natural for our bodies to undergo changes, and our eyes are no exception. Have you ever found yourself struggling to read menus or text messages, especially without squinting? This gradual difficulty in focusing on nearby objects is known as presbyopia. It’s a common part of aging and typically starts affecting people in their 40s or 50s.
In fact, studies suggest that around 26% of the global population experiences presbyopia.
### What Exactly Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a normal condition where the eye's ability to focus on close objects diminishes over time. The term originates from two Greek words: “Presbys,†meaning “old,†and “Opia,†meaning “vision.†So, essentially, it translates to “Old Vision.â€
Unlike other vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia isn't caused by the shape of the eye. Instead, it results from changes in the lens inside the eye. As we age, the lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on nearby items such as books, phones, or even faces.
Imagine the lens of your eye as a rubber band. When it’s new, it stretches easily, allowing you to shift focus effortlessly between near and far objects. However, as you get older, this rubber band loses its flexibility. Similarly, the lens in your eye stiffens over time, leading to presbyopia. Most people begin noticing its effects in their mid-40s or early 50s. You might find yourself holding things further away to see them clearly or needing better lighting to read small print. These are common signs of presbyopia.
### Why Does Presbyopia Occur?
When you're young, the lens of your eye is soft and flexible. It can change shape easily, enabling you to switch your focus seamlessly from close-up objects to distant ones. This ability is called accommodation.
However, as you age, the lens gradually hardens. Additionally, the muscles surrounding the lens weaken. These changes reduce your capacity to focus on nearby objects effectively.
Think of the lens as a rubber band again. When it’s new, it stretches easily. Over time, though, it loses its elasticity—just like the lens in your eye does as you grow older. This is what leads to presbyopia. By the time you reach your mid-40s or early 50s, you’ll probably start experiencing its symptoms. Holding things farther away to see them clearly or needing brighter light to read small print are typical indicators.
### Symptoms of Presbyopia
- **Blurred vision when reading or doing close work:** You may find it difficult to read fine print or see small details up close.
- **Eye strain or headaches:** Straining your eyes to focus can cause discomfort or headaches, especially after prolonged reading sessions.
- **Needing brighter light to see clearly:** You might find yourself turning on lights more frequently to read or perform tasks that require focus.
- **Holding objects farther away:** A common sign is the “long-arm syndrome,†where people hold books, phones, or other objects at arm’s length to see them better.
### How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing presbyopia is straightforward. If you notice changes in your vision, particularly with close-up tasks, it’s time for an eye exam. Your optician will conduct a basic vision test to check your ability to focus at different distances. They may also use specialized tools to measure how well your eyes adjust to close objects.
If presbyopia is the issue, your optician will provide a prescription to correct it.
### Treatments for Presbyopia
Although presbyopia cannot be reversed, it’s relatively easy to manage. Here are the most common ways to correct it:
#### Single Vision Glasses
Single-vision lenses offer a simple solution for presbyopia. If you don’t have other vision issues, a basic pair of single-vision glasses tailored to your short-distance prescription can help you focus on close objects.
You can obtain your single-vision prescription from your optician. Any frame at Glasses2You can be fitted with prescription single-vision lenses during checkout. Check out our single-vision lenses page for more information.
#### Some of Our Top Picks
**Marchena - Silver & Grey – Titanium**
**Ray-Ban 6373 - Shiny Black & Silver**
#### Bifocal or Progressive Lenses
If you already wear glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness, your optician might recommend—or you might prefer—bifocal or varifocal lenses. Bifocals have two distinct sections: one for close-up vision and one for distance.
Varifocal lenses, on the other hand, offer a smooth transition between different vision zones, making them a more seamless option for people who need two prescriptions.
#### Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are available for people with presbyopia. These lenses come in two main types:
- **Multifocal Contacts:** Similar to varifocal lenses, these allow you to see at various distances without needing glasses.
- **Monovision Contacts:** Monovision contacts use one lens for distance vision and the other for near vision. Your brain adjusts to using both eyes together, but it can take some time to adapt.
#### Surgery
As an alternative treatment, surgery can help eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Surgery options for presbyopia include LASIK or corneal inlays, though they aren’t suitable for everyone.
### Can You Prevent Presbyopia?
Unfortunately, presbyopia is a natural part of aging and cannot be avoided. However, its effects can be managed effectively.
Maintaining overall eye health is crucial for preserving better vision for a longer period, potentially slowing the progression of age-related vision loss.
Here are some tips for keeping your eyes healthy:
- **Get regular eye exams:** Routine check-ups allow your doctor to detect any vision changes early and provide timely treatment.
- **Eat a balanced diet:** Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, are excellent for eye health. Carrots, leafy greens, and fish are great choices. Read our “Best Foods For Healthy Eyes†blog post to learn more about nutritious eye-friendly foods.
- **Wear sunglasses:** Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses to prevent lens damage and reduce the risk of other eye conditions.
- **Rest your eyes:** If you spend a lot of time reading or looking at screens, give your eyes regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is a handy guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
### Choosing the Right Glasses for Presbyopia
Selecting the appropriate glasses for presbyopia can significantly enhance your daily life. Fortunately, there are countless options available based on your preferences.
If you only struggle with close-up tasks, simple single-vision glasses may suffice. For those who also need assistance with distance vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses are a better choice.
Glasses2You offers thousands of frame styles, all available with a lens type of your choice—perfect for addressing the effects of presbyopia. Browse our glasses catalogue to find your next pair today!