Definition

Presbyopia is a condition where a person cannot see objects clearly due to the aging process. The term "presbyopia" comes from Greek, meaning "old eye." This condition typically begins to affect people around the age of 40. Those experiencing presbyopia often find themselves holding books or newspapers at arm's length to read them clearly.

Causes

Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and can be corrected effectively. It occurs when the eye loses its ability to focus on close objects due to the hardening of the lens. Unlike other refractive errors, presbyopia is not influenced by previous eye conditions such as hypermetropia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness).

Risk Factor

While age is the primary factor in presbyopia, certain medications and diseases can accelerate its onset, causing it to occur in individuals under 50. If you experience difficulty focusing on close objects before the age of 40, it may indicate another underlying condition that requires further examination. Risk factors for premature presbyopia include:

• Medications such as ADHD drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and diuretics (a type of hypertension medication).
• Diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and dysautonomia.
• History of head trauma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of presbyopia include:

• Holding reading materials at a distance to see them clearly
• Blurred vision at a normal reading distance
• Headaches when engaging in close-up tasks
• Eye strain or pain
• Difficulty reading, especially in the afternoon
• Preference for reading in bright lighting conditions

Diagnosis

Presbyopia is diagnosed by a doctor through a refractive examination to assess distance vision. Regular eye examinations are recommended, especially if you have a high risk of eye diseases such as a family history of glaucoma. If you do not use glasses or contact lens regularly, with no family history of eye diseases, regular eye examinations can be taken starting from 40 years of age. The suggested schedule for eye exams is as follows:

• Initial examination at age 40.
• Every 2–4 years for ages 40–54.
• Every 1–3 years for ages 55–64.
• Every 1–2 years for those over 65.

Management

Presbyopia is managed by using convex lenses to refocus light onto the retina.

Reading Glasses

If presbyopia is your only vision issue, reading glasses can correct the condition. These glasses improve near distance vision by bending light before it enters the eye. The upper part of the lens is used for distance vision, while trifocal lenses assist with near, medium, and long-distance vision.

Contact lenses

Some people prefer contact lenses over glasses. Options include:

• Monovision contact lenses to improve near vision.
• Multifocal contact lenses with zones of different strengths for both distance and close vision.

Surgery

Refractive surgery is an option for those who prefer not to use glasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery can reshape the cornea to correct both near and far vision. Before LASIK, your doctor may recommend trying monovision contact lenses to ensure comfort with this type of vision correction.

Complications

Uncorrected presbyopia can significantly reduce the quality of life by making daily activities challenging and causing headaches and eye discomfort. Proper treatment of presbyopia can alleviate these complaints and improve overall visual comfort.

Prevention

Presbyopia is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented. However, maintaining good eye health can help manage the condition effectively. Steps to maintain eye health include:

• Using adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Regular eye examinations to monitor vision changes.
• Keeping a record of any vision-related complaints.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in green vegetables.
• Regular exercise.
• Staying hydrated.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking.
• Using sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

When to see a doctor?

Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden loss of vision in one eye, with or without eye pain.
• Sudden blurring of vision.
• Seeing flashes of light, black spots, or rainbows around the eyes.
• Experiencing double vision.

These symptoms could indicate serious eye conditions that require prompt medical attention.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!