Guide to Presbyopia from Our Optometrist
As we age, changes in our eyes' structure and function can lead to a condition known as presbyopia. This natural process affects our ability to focus on close objects and is a common part of aging. In this guide, our Sunny Isles Eye Center team in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, explains this condition and what you can do about it.
What Exactly Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. It occurs when the eye's lens no longer properly focuses light on the retina. It typically happens in older adults, making it difficult to see up close. This difficulty is because as people age, the lens becomes less flexible. This condition makes it challenging to read, perform close-up tasks, and see details up close.
What Are the Signs of Presbyopia?
Presbyopia usually shows up around or after you turn 40. The most noticeable sign is that you’ll need to hold things a little farther away to see them. This change can be problematic if you also have trouble seeing objects farther away.
You may find it hard to carry out tasks you didn’t have trouble with before, like threading a needle. You might notice eye strain and headaches when reading or doing other close-up activities.
Presbyopia Treatment
Treatment for presbyopia depends on how much the condition impacts your life. Those in the early stages can manage with just a few changes. For instance, bright lights and large print books can make a difference.
When simple changes do not help, our eye doctor can. First and foremost, an eye exam can ensure no other refractive errors or conditions are present. From there, our eye doctor can recommend the best course of action.
Reading glasses, prescription bifocal and trifocal glasses, and contact lenses are all common treatment methods for presbyopia. Prescription eye drops can help change the size of your pupils, which helps change how your eyes focus. Surgery is also an option to consider. Our optometrist will help you choose the best method after your comprehensive eye exam.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Our Eye Doctor
If you're experiencing changes in your near vision, schedule an appointment with our optometrist to discuss your symptoms and explore the most suitable options for managing presbyopia. Determine whether presbyopia or another condition impacts your vision and find the best treatment option at Sunny Isles Eye Center in Sunny Isles Beach, FL. We're committed to helping you maintain a clear and comfortable vision as you navigate the natural changes that come with age. You can schedule an appointment by calling (305) 917-1037 today.