Finding it harder to see close-up objects is one of the subtle ways our eyes let us know we’re getting older. This natural part of aging, known as presbyopia, typically becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s and continues progressing until age 65.¹ A comprehensive eye exam can confirm whether presbyopia is the cause of your vision changes.
Learn more about presbyopia and the treatment options available.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common age-related vision change that happens when the lens inside your eye slowly loses flexibility. This makes it harder for your eyes to focus on close-up objects. Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, presbyopia is a natural part of aging and affects nearly everyone to some degree.
Signs of presbyopia
You may first notice presbyopia when you start holding books, phones, and newspapers at arm’s length to see the text clearly. Other signs include trouble reading small print or eye strain after reading or doing close-up work.
If you’re nearsighted, you might temporarily manage presbyopia by reading without your glasses. Over time, most people find that they need reading glasses, multifocal lenses, or other corrective options to see nearby objects.
Presbyopia treatment
Managing presbyopia is easier than you might think, and the right option depends on your lifestyle and vision needs:
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Glasses: Reading glasses or multifocal lenses are the most common solution, helping you see clearly up close and at multiple distances if needed.
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Contact Lenses: Multifocal contacts correct vision at all distances, while monovision contact lenses allow one eye to focus on distant objects while the other handles close-up tasks.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Good lighting while reading, taking breaks from screens or close work, and keeping your reading material at a comfortable distance can reduce eye strain and make daily tasks easier.
Can LASIK fix presbyopia?
Traditional LASIK surgery is effective for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but it can’t fully restore the eye’s ability to focus up close. That said, there are advanced options, like monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for distance vision and the other for near tasks.
Not everyone is a candidate for these procedures, so it’s important to have a thorough eye exam and discuss your goals with your eye doctor. They can help you explore all your options and find the solution that best fits your lifestyle.
Find the right solution for your eyes
Presbyopia happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with blurry up-close vision. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, our experienced team can help you find the solution that fits your eyes and lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with our experts today!
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