As you grow older, several organs in your body deteriorate. So, it is with your eyes. Your eyes are not excluded from the natural effect of ageing on humans. The human eye is a sensitive organ that allows you to see and explore the beauty of this world. It is an amazing organ that can gather light and focus it on images near and far, in bright light or dim and with quick adjustments between these extremes. However, it is commonly affected by an age-related refractive error called Presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing caused by the gradual loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens. it occurs due to the gradual loss of elasticity of the eye lens, making it harder for the eye to focus on close-up objects. This often results in blurred vision when reading or performing close tasks. Presbyopia naturally becomes visible around age 40 and advances as you grow older. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of vision changes in middle-aged and older adults.
Nevertheless, Presbyopia is not a disease. It is a common type of refractive error that The Eye Doctors can easily correct with surgery, contact lenses or glasses. A visit to our Ikeja branch at 60, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, or call: 08106186729 will proffer solutions to all your concerns about presbyopia.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the loss of the lens’s flexibility which makes it difficult for the ciliary muscles to adjust, this often results in difficulty focusing on close-up objects. You must know the common symptoms of presbyopia.
Blurred vision: this happens when the things you see are not looking sharp and clear. There are various causes of blurred vision, presbyopia is one of them. You may experience it in one or both eyes depending on what is causing it. Blurred vision may affect only part of your vision or your whole visual field.
Eyestrain: is a common disorder caused by continuous use of your eyes for activities such as long-distance driving, reading and using digital devices. Eye strain could make you feel uncomfortable but it is generally not a serious condition.
Headaches: Presbyopia also causes pain in your head or face that is usually described as a pressure that is excruciating, constant, sharp or dull. It can differ greatly concerning the type of pain, severity, location and frequency.
Night blindness: As we age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, which can affect how quickly the eye adjusts to changes in lighting conditions. Older adults often experience more difficulty seeing in low light compared to younger individuals. Night blindness is also referred to as nyctalopia.
Lifestyle Tips for Presbyopia
Since presbyopia cannot be prevented, you must master some lifestyle tips that could help manage its symptoms and improve overall visual comfort.
Use Corrective Lenses: Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses specifically designed to correct presbyopia would provide clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances. The types of lenses available to correct presbyopia include bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses as well as multifocal contact lenses.
Maintain Eye Health: Visit the Eye Doctors at 15, Addo Road, Fountain Place Plaza or call 07025001602 for your regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor vision changes and detect any underlying eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma, which may worsen presbyopia symptoms.
Adjust Lighting: Ensure that your indoor and outdoor environments are well-lit to reduce eye strain and improve visibility. Use task lighting when reading or performing close-up work to enhance contrast and reduce glare.
Take Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule when engaging in extended near tasks such as reading or using a computer. Every 20 minutes, look away from your work at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles and reduce fatigue.
Eye Exercises: Engage in eye exercises recommended by your optometrist or Ophthalmologist to help maintain flexibility and strength in the eye muscles, which may alleviate presbyopia symptoms.
Consider Lifestyle choices: Avoid smoking, as it can increase the risk of developing age-related eye conditions. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall eye health.
Presbyopia is a common visual condition that affects near vision as people age, you can effectively manage it symptoms and maintain optimal visual comfort as you age. However, it is important to cultivate the habit of regular eye examinations with The Eye Doctors to enjoy personalized advice and treatment based on your specific visual needs.
