Presbyopia is a common age-related eye condition that affects the ability to see near objects clearly. It is caused by the natural aging process and gradually worsens over time. Symptoms include difficulty reading small print, eyestrain, and headaches. There is no cure for age-related farsightedness, but there are a variety of options available to help improve vision.

What Is Presbyopia?

As we age, the natural lens inside our eye begins to harden and lose its elasticity. This gradual process is called presbyopia, and it is the primary cause of near vision problems in adults over 40. The loss of flexibility in the lens makes it more difficult for the eye to focus on close objects, resulting in blurred vision. Age-related farsightedness typically occurs in both eyes and can worsen over time.

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process. As we get older, the proteins in our eye's lens begin to break down, making the lens less flexible. This reduced flexibility makes it more difficult for the eye to focus on close objects.

When Does Presbyopia Begin?

Age-related farsightedness typically begins to develop in people in their 40s. For most people, the condition gradually worsens over time.

What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

The primary symptom of presbyopia is blurred vision when reading or performing other close-up tasks. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty seeing objects in low light.

How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

An eye doctor can diagnose age-related farsightedness during a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the doctor will evaluate your vision and perform tests to assess the health of your eyes.

How Is Presbyopia Treated?

There is no cure for presbyopia, but there are a variety of options available to help improve vision.

Wearing Corrective Lenses

The most common way to correct for age-related farsightedness is wearing corrective lenses. These can be in the form of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or reading glasses. Eyeglasses or contacts can correct both near and distant vision, while reading glasses only correct near vision.

Performing Eye Exercises

Certain eye exercises may help to improve vision in people with presbyopia. One such exercise is the palming method, which involves cupping your hands over your eyes and relaxing for a few minutes. This exercise can help to reduce eye strain and improve vision.

Undergoing Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct age-related farsightedness. One type of surgery that is sometimes used is conductive keratoplasty, which involves using heat to reshape the cornea. Another option is intraocular lens implants, which involve surgically placing artificial lenses inside the eye. This surgery can improve both near and distance vision.

What Are the Complications of Presbyopia?

The most common problem of presbyopia is the need to wear corrective lenses. In some cases, age-related farsightedness can also lead to decreased vision in low-light conditions.

How Can Presbyopia Be Prevented?

There is no known way to prevent age-related farsightedness. However, you can help to slow the progression of the condition by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular eye exams. It is also important to wear protective eyewear when participating in activities that could put your eyes at risk for injury.

Eyecare Studio in Singapore offers a variety of solutions for this common age-related condition. Schedule an appointment today with our expert optometrists to see how we can help you.