Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process within the eye and can cause difficulties in reading or performing close-up tasks. Our team of experts at Colorado Eye Consultants understands the impact presbyopia can have on your daily life and is here to help you find ways to restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
Keep reading to learn more about presbyopia and how you can manage this condition to maintain optimal eye health!
What Causes Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition that affects the ability of the eye to focus on close objects. It happens when the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible and loses its ability to change shape, making it difficult to see nearby objects clearly.
The exact cause of presbyopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of changes in the proteins inside the lens over time. These changes cause the lens to become less flexible, reducing its ability to adjust its shape and focus on objects at different distances.
Presbyopia typically begins to affect people around forty and progressively worsens over time. Since it is a natural part of the aging process, it cannot be prevented.
However, there are various treatment options available to manage the condition and improve vision, such as reading glasses or bifocals.
What are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?
The most common symptom of presbyopia is difficulty focusing on close objects. Other symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision when reading or doing close work
- Eye strain or fatigue when doing close work for extended periods of time
- Headaches or discomfort after reading or doing close work
- Needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length to see them clearly
- Difficulty seeing small print, such as on a phone or computer screen.
People with presbyopia may also experience changes in their vision when transitioning between looking at distant and near objects. For example, they may have difficulty seeing the dashboard when driving or need to take off their glasses to see objects in the distance more clearly.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to visit your eye doctor at Colorado Eye Consultants for a comprehensive eye exam. They can diagnose presbyopia and recommend appropriate treatment options to help improve your symptoms.
How is Presbyopia Diagnosed and Treated?
Presbyopia can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam performed by your eye doctor at Colorado Eye Consultants. During the exam, your eye doctor will perform a series of tests to evaluate your vision and determine the degree of presbyopia you have.
Once presbyopia has been diagnosed, there are several treatment options available to improve vision, including:
Glasses
Reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses can be prescribed to help compensate for the loss of near vision. Reading glasses are usually worn only when doing close work, while bifocals and progressive lenses are worn throughout the day.
Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are available for people with presbyopia. These lenses have different power zones allowing clear vision at different distances.
Magnifying Devices
Magnifying lenses or handheld magnifiers can also be used to enlarge text or other objects for easier viewing.
The treatment option that is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s important to discuss your options with your eye doctor at Colorado Eye Consultants to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Are you experiencing symptoms of presbyopia or want to learn more about the condition? Schedule an appointment at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today!
