What is presbyopia?
As we age, we all experience annoying changes in our vision:
- it becomes harder to focus
- it is increasingly difficult to see close objects clearly.
This is known as presbyopia, and this natural dysfunction usually appears after the age of 40. Most people start wearing reading glasses to cope with presbyopia, but not everyone will be affected to the same extent – some as early as 40, others not until around 50!
Why is reading blurry?
Presbyopia is the result of various natural age-related changes, especially in the lens (a lens located inside the eye). This is responsible for focusing the light entering the eye. The lens is normally soft and flexible, allowing it to easily change shape and focus from a distant object to a near object and then back again. But as we age, the lens loses its natural elasticity and the autofocus action becomes complex. Consequently, the ability to see close objects, at 35-40 cm, is lost.
Good to know: distance vision is generally not affected and both eyes become presbyopic, but not always in the same way.
Presbyopia progresses with age: first, you will move your newspaper or phone further away to read, then your near vision will become blurry. As your near vision deteriorates, you will need reading glasses to help you read or perform other meticulous tasks (sewing, DIY, drawing, cooking).
We all become presbyopic, even if we already have an existing vision problem such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
What are the signs of presbyopia?
- "Misty" or even blurry vision
- Difficulty reading small print
- Difficulty focusing on close objects, meticulous work
- Need to move objects further away to see them correctly
- Difficulty reading in dark places
- Headaches from blurry vision (after reading)
- Eye strain, stinging eyes
How to correct presbyopia?
Several ways to correct presbyopia exist. For most of us, reading glasses are the most appropriate, quickest and simplest solution. For greater comfort, choosing reading glasses with an extended depth of field (with degressive lenses) will be optimal as they offer clear vision from 35 cm to one meter. This is the ideal solution for screen work, DIY and all our daily activities. For some, the choice will be progressive glasses to wear all day, or for others, their choice will be laser surgery.
In any case, if you have difficulty with near vision, it may be that presbyopia is affecting you. So consult your optician or ophthalmologist for a check of your visual acuity and your eyes.
