Presbyopia

A condition caused by a change in the flexibility of our crystalline lens as we age. Our lens changes shape so that we can accommodate to adjust focus. This decrease in accommodation makes near vision more difficult causing small print to become blurred and can often lead to eye strain. This change typically becomes noticeable in the early to mid 40’s and poor lighting conditions often exacerbate the problem.

Symptoms:

• Holding reading material out at arms length to focus on the words
• Problems reading the dashboard while driving in the evening or at night
• Difficulty reading in dimmed light
• Experiencing headaches and eye pain after reading

Treatment:

Presbyopia can be corrected for with several different types of spectacles or contact lenses. There is no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes presbyopia. However, presbyopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. People who have trouble seeing both near and far may benefit from progressive lenses. If you do not correct presbyopia, you may be bothered by headaches and eye strain.