Presbyopia and You

What is Presbyopia?
As you get older, changes occur in the natural lens inside your eye, resulting in difficulty in focusing and seeing up close. This condition is called Presbyopia or "Old Eyes Syndrome".

When does Presbyopia occur?
Presbyopia results from the natural aging process and occurs somewhere between the ages of 40-50. The exact age at which the blurring of near vision becomes apparent is variable for each individual and cannot be predicted.

What causes Presbyopia?
The natural focusing lens is soft and flexible can change shape easily (accommodation) allowing you to focus for near and far instantenously. As we age, the lens becomes rigid and cannot change shape (loss of accommodation) as easily as it once did making it difficult to focus clearly on close objects.

What symptoms will i experience?
You will have difficulty with reading or other near-vision activities, which is usually worse in dim light. You may experience fatigue, tired eyes or even headaches by the end of the day. Most people find that there is a lag time when changing focus from distance to near and that they have to constantly reposition reading material (usually holding it further away) in order to find the right focus.

Does Presbyopia affect everyone?
YES. It happens to everyone as we age and regardless of whether or not you have worn spectacles.

Is there any way to stop or delay Presbyopia?
NO. Just as we are not able to reverse growing old, there is no way to prevent presbyopia.
No medications, vitamins or exercises can stop or reverse presbyopia.

Can Presbyopia be treated?
YES! There are now several treatment options that can reduce your need for reading glasses. Previously, your only option was to wear reading glasses.

Which treatment is suitable for me?
This is dependent on your eye condition and glasses power and also on your age, profession, hobbies, desires. A thorough eye examination and discussion with your eye doctor is needed before we determine which option is most suitable for you.