Throughout the world, an estimated 1.8 billion people are living with presbyopia. It is the main cause of visual impairment. Due to how common it is, all people should be aware of what it is, how it affects you, and the treatment options that are available.

What is Presbyopia?

This eye condition makes it harder to focus on nearby objects. Also referred to as farsightedness, presbyopia comes on gradually and usually starts to present noticeable symptoms in your 40s.

What Causes Presbyopia?

To form an image, the eye uses the lens and cornea to focus the light that objects reflect. The lens flexes more the closer the object is to your eyes. There is a circular muscle around the lens, and it relaxes when you view something that it at a distance. It constricts when you are looking at something that is close. This makes it possible for the lens to curve to adapt its focusing abilities.

When you have presbyopia, the flexibility of the lens reduces, making it harder and less elastic. This is due to aging. As your lens loses flexibility, it cannot focus on images that are close up due to not being able to change shape anymore. The end result is nearby images appearing like they are out of focus.

What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

When you have presbyopia, you might notice the following symptoms:

• Blurry vision when you are reading at a normal distance
• Having to hold what you are reading farther away to see it more clearly
• Headaches or eyestrain following close-up work or reading

Symptoms tend to worsen when you are in dim lighting or when you are tired.

Treatment Options for Presbyopia

There are four primary treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor. They will help you to determine which option could benefit you the most.

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses that magnify what you are reading can help you cope with the symptoms of presbyopia. Your doctor will perform an eye examination to help you choose the best level of power. If you also have issues with your distance vision, your doctor might recommend bifocals since these can address vision problems at both close and far distances.

Contact Lenses

If you prefer to not wear eyeglasses, contact lenses might be a suitable option. If you need help with nearby and distance vision, there are bifocal contacts that can take the place of your glasses.

LASIK

LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that works by changing the cornea shape. It could help to improve close-up vision. The end result is similar to wearing monovision contact lenses.

Lens Implant Surgery

This surgery involves placing synthetic lenses in your eyes after removing your natural lenses. There are different lens implant options to help to reduce your vision issues.

Schedule a Consultation

Presbyopia is a condition that billions of people live with. With the right knowledge and regular visits with your doctor, you will learn how to better cope with the condition. To learn more about presbyopia and the treatment options that you are a candidate for, schedule a consultation with the experienced and friendly staff at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton or Tamarac today.