Presbyopia is a normal part of aging and affects your eyes’ ability to focus on close objects. It usually starts around the age of 40 and can make reading or seeing things up close more difficult. Common signs of presbyopia include having to hold reading materials at arm’s length, headaches or eye strain, and trouble focusing on close objects. If you notice these signs, it might be time to visit an eye doctor for an eye exam.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition that happens as you get older. It’s when the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible. Because the lens can’t change shape as easily, it’s harder to see things that are close to you.

How Does It Happen?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, when you’re young, the lens in your eye is soft and flexible. As you age, the lens gets harder and loses its ability to change shape. This change in the lens makes it difficult to focus on things that are near you.

3 Common Signs of Presbyopia

Here are some common signs that you might have presbyopia. If you notice any of these, it could be a good idea to visit an eye doctor.

1. Needing to Hold Reading Materials Farther Away

Do you find that you have to hold newspapers, books, or menus farther away to read them? This might be a sign of presbyopia. If you can’t read something up close, but you can see it clearly when you hold it at arm’s length, your eyes might be changing.

2. Headaches or Eye Strain

If you get headaches or your eyes feel tired when you try to read or do close work, that could be another warning sign. Your eyes are working harder to focus, and that extra effort can cause discomfort.

3. Difficulty Focusing on Close Objects

When you can’t focus on close objects like you used to, it can be frustrating. You might find yourself squinting or struggling to see things that were once easy to look at. This is a common sign of presbyopia.

How is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

If you think you have presbyopia, it’s important to see an eye doctor. They can perform an eye exam to check your vision and your eye health.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

During an eye exam, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. They will look at your eyes and test how well you can see. They might use different lenses and ask you to read from a chart. This helps them find the right prescription for glasses or contacts if you need them.

Treatment for Presbyopia

Treating presbyopia is usually straightforward. Here are some options that might help you see better.

Glasses or Contact Lenses

If you have presbyopia, wearing glasses or contact lenses can help you see close objects more clearly. Your eye doctor can help you find the right prescription.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery might be an option to correct presbyopia. There are different types of surgery, and your doctor can explain what might work best for you.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the warning signs of presbyopia, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor. Getting your eyes checked can help you find the right treatment and keep your eyes healthy. Even if you don’t notice any changes, regular eye exams are still important to make sure your eyes are in good shape.

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