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Presbyopia, the age-related difficulty in seeing up close, affects almost everyone as they age, typically starting around age 40. The condition is caused by changes in the lens of the eye, leading to the need to hold reading materials at arm’s length. Fortunately, there are ways to correct vision, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery.
As the lens of the eye becomes stiffer with age, the muscles attached to it struggle to change its shape for focusing at different distances, making tasks like reading or performing close-up tasks challenging. People who are farsighted may experience presbyopia earlier, as their eyes are already working hard to focus at a near distance.
Symptoms of presbyopia include difficulty seeing details up close, straining to read small print, sore and tired eyes, headaches, and the need for more light or larger print to see clearly. Eye specialists can diagnose presbyopia and prescribe appropriate treatments.
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical options are available for correcting presbyopia. Reading glasses are a common solution for those with no other vision issues, while bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses are used for correcting multiple vision challenges. Contact lenses like monovision and multifocal lenses can also help with presbyopia. Surgical options like LASIK and corneal inlays are available for those seeking a more permanent correction.
It’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for surgical correction of presbyopia, especially those with certain comorbidities like diabetes, dry eyes, thin corneas, keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, cataracts, or during pregnancy.
As vision changes continue with age, individuals can cope through ongoing adjustments in corrective lenses or drops that enhance near vision temporarily. The key is to stay proactive in managing the condition with the guidance of eye specialists.
Presbyopia is a common vision change that comes with age, but with the right treatment and management strategies, individuals can continue to enjoy clear vision for years to come.