Presbyopia is a very common eye condition that occurs as people age. It affects the ability to focus on objects up close, and causes difficulty in reading, using a computer or performing activities that require near vision.

While presbyopia cannot be prevented, it can be treated with a variety of options that can help improve your vision and quality of life. In this article we will take a closer look at presbyopia and the possible treatments available to improve your vision and in turn, revolutionize your life.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process that affects everyone, regardless of whether they have had good vision their whole life or not.

It is caused by the lens of the eye becoming less flexible over time, which in turn reduces its ability to change shape and focus on objects up close. This can happen to everyone regardless of their prior eye health.

What are the Symptoms?

Presbyopia often appears gradually and becomes noticeable around middle age, usually around the age of 40. The most common symptoms of presbyopia include:.

Difficulty in reading small print or fine detail
Blurry or fuzzy vision when looking at objects up close
Eye strain, headaches, or fatigue when doing close work or reading
Difficulty seeing in low light conditions

How is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important that you schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if you have presbyopia or another vision problem.

Diagnosis of presbyopia involves a comprehensive eye examination, which includes:.

Visual acuity test to measure how well you see at various distances
Refraction test to determine the strength of eyeglass or contact lens prescription you need
Slit-lamp exam to examine the health of the eyes and structures of the eye such as the lens

What are the Treatment Options for Presbyopia?

There is no cure for presbyopia, but there are several treatment options available to help improve your vision. These include:.

Reading Glasses or Bifocals

Reading glasses or bifocals are the simplest and most commonly used treatment for presbyopia. They work by magnifying the text to compensate for the reduced focusing ability of the eye.

They are a great option for those who only need help with near vision and don’t wear glasses already.

Progressive Addition Lenses

Progressive addition lenses or PALs are designed to correct both near and distance vision without having to switch glasses. They’re also called no-line bifocals or trifocals.

These lenses have a gradual progression of lens power from top to bottom and are an excellent option for those who require more than one prescription for their vision problems.

Monovision Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be used to correct presbyopia as well. Monovision contact lenses use one contact lens that is designed for near vision in one eye and a lens for distance vision in the other eye.

Monovision may take some adaptation, but for many this is an effective solution.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery can also treat presbyopia. There are several types of refractive surgery available. They include:.

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Conductive keratoplasty (CK)
Intraocular lens (IOL) replacement surgery

These surgical procedures reshape the cornea or remove the natural lens and replace it with a implanted lens made to have the desired focussing power.

Results of this surgery can vary, so it is important to weigh your vision needs and goals to determine which option is best for you.

Conclusion

Presbyopia is an unavoidable part of the aging process, but don’t let it slow you down. There are plenty of available treatments and options that can revolutionize your vision and in turn, improve the quality of your life.

If you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine which treatment option is best suited for you.