30
Oct 2013
Emerging Presbyopia and What to Do About It
As we get older, everything about our bodies begins to change, including our eyes. We don’t see things as clearly as we once did. While some people assume this is just another part of aging, there is actually a medical condition for this vision issue: emerging presbyopia.
Most individuals begin to experience emerging presbyopia around the age of forty. The most obvious sign of emerging presbyopia appears while a person is reading. It becomes necessary to have to hold a book or magazine at arm’s length and then move it closer and farther way from the eyes, squinting in order to focus.
It’s sometimes referred to as playing the trombone because the act of reading this way looks similar to playing the instrument. You might have seen someone do this or perhaps even experienced it yourself.
Presbyopia –
Presbyopia has to do with how the lenses within the eye are changing. As people get older, the lenses in their eyes become less elastic and begin to harden. This makes them less flexible and therefore harder to focus our vision.
What are your options?
Most people do not want to hear they need glasses, much less bifocals. For years bifocals were the only option a person had as he or she dealt with the effects of aging on their vision.
Today we have other options in addition to glasses. Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are now available in many GP and soft contact lens designs. Bifocals have two focusing powers, one for close and one for distance. Multifocal lenses can have varying power for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Consumers also have the option of monovision lenses. With monovision lenses, the wearer has a close vision lens in one eye and a distance vision lens in the other. The eyes focus correctly for the visual needs of the wearer. Another possible option is reading glasses as needed.
There is also the option of LASIK surgery and a procedure called conductive keratoplasy. These procedures alter the surface of the eye to correct the effects of emerging presbyopia. The FDA is currently reviewing other surgical options as well.
Looking Ahead –
Whatever option you choose to meet your unique vision needs, it is important to remember emerging presbyopia progresses over time. Prescriptions must be updated to keep up with its advance. Regular eye exams are important to keep our eyes at their best even if you aren’t experiencing this condition.
If it’s been awhile since your last eye exam or you are experiencing new symptoms or vision problems, you might want to think about making an appointment. One of our expert doctors here at Spektacles San Diego would be happy to help you! As the leading optometry practice in Cardiff, we have the knowledge and experience to provide you information and peace of mind about your vision and eye health.
You can visit us online at https://www.spektaclessandiego.com or give us a call at 760-452-2895 to schedule an eye exam.
