WHAT IS PRESBYOPIA?

As we age, the natural crystalline lens in our eye becomes less flexible. This lack of flexibility compromises the eye's ability to switch from one focal point (objects at a distance – driving) to another focal point (objects that are close – reading). This is called presbyopia.

The practical effect of this loss of flexibility in the natural lens of the eye is that we lose our ability to read or see close objects without reading glasses or bifocals.

Today, for people who have cataracts with or without presbyopia, there is a procedure to remove the affected natural lens of the eye and replace it with a lens that provides focused vision in all depths of field — near, intermediate and far.

Symptoms of presbyopia:

• Blurry close vision that starts after age 40
• Difficulty adjusting focus when switching from near to distance vision
• Eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work

Causes of presbyopia:

• Age: Presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, but the actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years. Long before an individual is aware that seeing close up is becoming more difficult, the lenses in the eyes have begun losing their ability to flatten and thicken. Only when the loss of elasticity impairs vision to a noticeable degree is the change recognized. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-forties.

Diagnosing presbyopia:

A comprehensive examination will include testing for presbyopia. Your eye doctor can conduct a refractive evaluation to determine whether your eyes focus light rays exactly on the retina at distance and near. A visual acuity test will determine your ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances. Your eye doctor will also check your eye coordination and muscle control, as well as your eyes' ability to change focus. All of these are important factors in how your eyes see.

Call the Lerner Eye Center today at 877-882-2266 or email us here to make an appointment or request more information.

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