Presbyopia
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Presbyopia makes it difficult to focus on close objects |
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Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. During the early and middle years of life, the crystalline lens of the eye has the ability to focus both near and distant images by getting thicker for near objects and thinner for distant objects. When this ability is lost, presbyopia results.
Symptoms of presbyopia
- Blurry close vision that starts after age 40
- Difficulty adjusting focus when switching from near to distance vision
- Eye fatigue along with headaches when doing
close work
Causes of presbyopia:
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Age: As we mature, the lenses in the eyes lose some of their elasticity, and without elasticity they lose some of their ability to change focus for different distances. The lens is controlled by the ciliary muscle. As this muscle encounters increased resistance it works harder to control the lens. Eventually the ciliary cannot control the lens and reading becomes difficult. Presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, but the actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years. Long before an individual is aware that seeing close up is becoming more difficult, the lenses in the eyes have begun losing their ability to flatten and thicken. Only when the loss of elasticity impairs vision to a noticeable degree is the change recognized. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-forties.
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Genetics
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Stress
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Personality type
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Diet
Diagnosing presbyopia
A comprehensive examination will include testing for presbyopia. Dr. Mayer can conduct a refractive evaluation to determine whether your eyes focus light rays exactly on the retina at distance and near. A visual acuity test will determine your ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances. Dr. Mayer will also check your eye coordination and muscle control, as well as your eyes' ability to change focus. All of these are important factors in how your eyes see.
Treatment of presbyopia
Reading glasses, contact lenses and visual improvement therapies are used by many for the treatment of presbyopia.
Diet and supplementation can also be of help.
Presbyopia can be present in combination with other types of refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
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