Have you noticed that it is harder to see objects or read text up close than it used to be? It could be presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural process by which your eyes slowly lose the ability to see things up close as you age. The word ‘presbyopia’ actually comes from the Greek, meaning ‘old eye’. Many people notice the signs of presbyopia after age 40. The first sign of presbyopia is often the need to hold things a bit further away from you in order to read or see them clearly. To learn more about presbyopia, the symptoms, and what you can do to correct for the changes to your vision, read on below.
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What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the naturally occurring process by which your eyes lose the ability to see things up close as you age. Many patients are concerned when they realize that they need to move things further away in order to see them clearly, but presbyopia is an incredibly common condition. Most people begin noticing the symptoms of presbyopia shortly after they turn 40, but some may notice signs of this condition slightly sooner. To learn more about presbyopia, view this video from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
What causes Presbyopia?
Presbyopia affects the lens of your eye as you age. The lens of your eye is clear and sits behind your iris, the part of your eye that gives it its visible color. The lens changes shape to focus light onto the retina. This is what allows you to see. The lens of your eye is soft and flexible when you are young. This allows it to easily change shape to focus on objects both far away and close-up. However, as you age, especially after age 40, the lens of your eye becomes more rigid. This means that it cannot change shape as easily, making it more difficult to read or focus on objects close-up.
How is Presbyopia treated?
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely stop or reverse the normal process of aging, including that which causes presbyopia. As we age our bodies change, and presbyopia is a natural part of that process. However, while it cannot be stopped or reversed, it can be corrected. We can help to correct for presbyopia with contact lenses, eyeglasses, or in some cases surgery. We recommend that you come in for an eye exam if you are noticing the signs of presbyopia, as if you leave it uncorrected it can cause eye strain and headaches.
Visit Louisiana Eye & Laser Center for help with Presbyopia
If you are experiencing the symptoms of presbyopia, contact Louisiana Eye & Laser Center to request an appointment. Our doctors will evaluate your vision and suggest options for treatment to improve your eyesight and reduce the effects of presbyopia. Call us or contact us below to schedule your appointment at one of our offices across Central Louisiana.
