Can Age-Related Farsightedness be Fixed?
Difficulty seeing up close can be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery
Difficulty seeing up close can be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery
If you’re 40 or older and struggle to read up close, you might have a common eye condition associated with aging. You may have age-related farsightedness, also known as presbyopia.
This condition arises when the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Other
symptoms may include headaches and eye strain.
“Symptoms vary in severity,” says David Horie, MD, an optometrist at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Clinic Encinitas and Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. “Some people may notice considerable changes in their close vision, while others may not notice as significant of a difference.”
Can age-related farsightedness be fixed? Yes, to an extent. Many treatments are available that can improve your vision, such as prescription reading glasses, contact lenses, eye drops or surgery. The best treatment depends on your needs, lifestyle and eye health.
The first step is to get an eye exam. An eye care specialist can diagnose and treat presbyopia, usually by prescribing corrective lenses.
“An eye care provider can diagnose and determine whether you have presbyopia, which is very common, or another condition that could be more serious,” says Dr. Horie.
How does age affect vision?
The lens helps focus light onto the retina, which is necessary for clear vision. As we age, the lens fibers harden and thicken. This reduces the lens’s flexibility and makes it hard to focus on nearby objects. As a result, light focuses behind the retina, leading to blurry, close-up vision.
Risk factors
Several factors can influence the onset and progression of presbyopia. Family history, lifestyle and certain health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, may play a part. Using digital devices for long periods can make symptoms worse.
Presbyopia often starts with issues like having trouble reading small print. As it gets worse, people need to hold reading materials farther away.
Headaches and eye strain can also signal the onset of presbyopia. These symptoms typically appear after long periods of close-up work, like reading or using a computer. They can disrupt daily activities and cause fatigue.
To confirm presbyopia, you need an eye exam. During the exam, eye care professionals check your vision at different distances. They may also check the eye’s health to rule out other vision problems or eye diseases.
Why get an eye exam at 40?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends adults have a complete eye exam at age 40, which is when early signs of disease or changes in vision appear.
Some adults should see an eye care specialist sooner if they have an eye disease or risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of eye disease.
What happens in an eye exam?
A refraction or vision test is part of an eye exam. It checks how well you see at different distances.
Eye dilation, using special eye drops, is done to examine the inner parts of your eyes for age-related eye issues.
Treatment options
Age-related farsightedness can be managed in different ways. Eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery can improve vision. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and daily activities.
Reading glasses
Reading glasses are the most common solution for presbyopia and can help the eyes focus on nearby objects.
Over-the-counter reading glasses can be found at local drug stores. They come in varying strengths but have limitations. Prescription reading glasses work better because they take into account the individual prescription strength needed.
“It’s a good idea to have your eye care specialist determine which strength is best for you before you purchase eyeglasses,” Dr. Horie adds. “Even a slightly weaker or stronger prescription than necessary may cause eye strain or headaches.”
Bifocals
People who wear eyeglasses can switch to bifocals. Bifocals have two prescriptions in one lens, separated by a line. The top part helps with distance vision and the bottom part is for close vision.
Progressive bifocals are a bit different. They provide a gradual transition between lens strengths. This means there is no visible line, giving a more natural view.
While glasses are a common treatment for presbyopia, some people find them inconvenient. They can get lost or be hard to use while playing sports. In these situations, other treatment options might work better.
Contact lenses
Using contact lenses has many benefits. Multifocal contacts help you see clearly at all distances. These lenses have specialized zones for seeing close, far and everything in between. This is ideal for people who need help with reading and seeing things far away.
Monovision is a contact lens approach where one eye wears a lens for distance vision and the other for near vision. The brain adapts to use one eye or the other depending on the task. This method can be a good option for people who struggle to adapt to multifocal lenses.
Eye drops
Eye drops for managing presbyopia have emerged as an innovative treatment option. These pharmacological solutions temporarily improve presbyopia without the need for corrective lenses. They work by altering the pupil size to increase the depth of focus. Research shows promising but short-term improvements in near vision.
Eye drops can be a good choice instead of glasses or contacts. However, it is best to talk to an eye care professional.
Refractive surgery
Some people choose surgery to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts.
Refractive surgery can help with vision problems related to presbyopia. It is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea. The most common type is LASIK eye surgery, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea.
Consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial to evaluate the risks, benefits and expectations of surgery.
Lifestyle adjustments and home remedies
Making lifestyle changes can help with age-related farsightedness symptoms and make your eyes feel more comfortable. These simple adjustments can support eye health and lessen strain.
Here are some tips for a better vision experience:
- Use good lighting when reading or doing close work.
- Take breaks to rest your eyes, especially when using screens.
- Make sure your reading material is at the right distance from your eyes.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly and manage conditions like high blood pressure.
When to see an eye care specialist
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting presbyopia and vision changes. Seek professional help for reading issues or sudden vision changes to maintain eye health.