Presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition, typically begins to manifest itself in people around the age of 40. As the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility, it becomes challenging to focus on close objects, making activities like reading or using a smartphone more difficult. Discover the early signs of presbyopia in this post by your trusted local optometrists at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic.
The following are some of the early signs of presbyopia that you need to be aware of:
Difficulty Reading Small Print. One of the first and most common signs is holding books, newspapers or any reading article farther than arm’s length to read clearly.
Eye Strain or Headaches After Close-Up Work. If you experience headaches, eye fatigue or eye discomfort after tasks requiring near vision like reading or sewing, it may indicate presbyopia.
Needing Brighter Light. It might be due to presbyopia if you find it harder to read or do close-up work in low light and feel more comfortable with brighter lighting.
Blurred Vision at Average Reading Distance. Another indicator of a potential presbyopia diagnosis is when your usual reading distance is no longer clear and you have to move your reading material further away to focus appropriately.
If you notice these early signs, it’s crucial to schedule an eye examination. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose presbyopia, including:
Medical History Check. To understand symptoms and any family history of eye or vision problems.
Visual Acuity Test. This measures the sharpness of your vision. You’ll read a series of letters or numbers from a distance and up close.
Refraction Assessment. Your optometrist will use a phoropter device that lets you look through a series of lenses to improve your focus.
Eye Health Evaluation. This can include checking your eye pressure and pupil dilation to examine the interior and surface of your eyes.
Presbyopia can be managed quite effectively with a reliable optometrist. Options can include:
Glasses. This is the simplest and safest form of correcting presbyopia. Your eye doctor may provide prescription reading glasses or bifocals.
Contact Lenses. Bifocal or multifocal contact lenses can be an alternative to wearing eyeglasses.
Surgery. For those who prefer not to wear glasses or contacts, surgical options like conductive keratoplasty, LASIK and lens implants exist.
Regular eye check-ups, a balanced diet and good lighting when reading can help you manage your eye health as you age. Remember that early detection and treatment are vital in managing presbyopia effectively. It’s always important to consult with your optometrist for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment plan for your lifestyle and eye health.
Tackling presbyopia on time will help you maintain an active lifestyle without letting your vision hold you back! Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic is here to assist you with all your eye care needs. To schedule an appointment or for any inquiries, call us using the following numbers: (425) 771-8472 (Lynnwood, WA) or (425) 485-0430 (Bothell, WA), or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.