As you age, your body changes in different ways, and your eyes are no exception. One age-related visual issue that many people over the age of 40 experience is presbyopia, a condition that compromises your close-range vision. Read on as your trusted optometrist from Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic discusses this condition in detail:
What Causes Presbyopia
Your natural lenses are flexible, which is how they’re able to see both close and distant-range objects. As you age, however, your lenses and the ciliary muscles supporting them may start to thicken and harden, reducing their flexibility. This leads to light-focusing problems on the retina, interfering with the image translation cycle.
Symptoms
The hallmark sympom of presbyopia is blurred vision while looking at nearby objects. Presbyopia makes activities like reading or looking at your phone more challenging, and can lead to headaches and eye strain. If you experience these symptoms, it’s time to have your eyes professionally checked by your expert optometrist.
Distinguishing Between Presbyopia and Hyperopia
Presbyopia and hyperopia (farsightedness) both cause issues with close-range vision, though they are different conditions. Hyperopia typically develops during childhood and is caused by irregularities with the shape of your eye or cornea that results in light rays being focused beyond the retina rather than directly upon it. Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects your lenses.
Our Suggested Treatment
The most reliable way to preserve your eyesight is to have comprehensive eye exams routinely. This allows us to identify ocular irregularities as soon as possible so we can provide prompt treatment. Your optometrist also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating eye-friendly foods, exercising regularly, and wearing proper eyewear. Presbyopia is typically managed by wearing bifocals, progressives, or multifocals, which contain different refractive powers in a single lens, helping you see better at varying distances.
For more information about presbyopia, call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. You may also fill out our form to request an appointment. We serve Bothell, Lynnwood, and Shoreline, WA.