Presbyopia is the most common eye condition that occurs as our eyes change with aging. Generally, it starts to affect individuals in their 40s and early 50s and can be quite disconcerting as it progresses. If you think you are developing the early signs of presbyopia, understanding the condition and how to manage it will help maintain your vision and quality of life. Here’s a guide on what to do when presbyopia strikes.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural age-related phenomenon where the lens in the eye loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Symptoms commonly include holding reading material at arm’s length, blurred vision at normal reading distance, and eye strain or headaches during close work. Early recognition of these symptoms is key to effective management.
See Your Eye Care Professional
If you suspect you’re developing presbyopia, schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. An eye exam will not only diagnose presbyopia but also rule out other potential causes of vision changes, such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. A comprehensive evaluation will determine the best approach for your specific needs.
As presbyopia worsens, your vision correction needs will change. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are important to keep your prescription up-to-date and ensure your eyes remain healthy. The team at Eye Lasik Austin personalizes care to adapt to your changing vision needs over time.
Modify Your Environment
Simple changes to your reading and working environment can help manage presbyopia effectively:
- Ensure you’re reading in well-lit rooms.
- Consider increasing the text size on digital screens.
- Take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Explore Corrective Options
There are several options to correct presbyopia, and the right one depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and the health of your eyes. These options include:
- Reading glasses: A simple solution, readily available for close work when needed.
- Bifocals or progressive lenses: Glasses with multiple lens powers for varying distances, from close-up to far away.
- Contact lenses: Multifocal contact lenses designed specifically for people with presbyopia.
- Surgical options: Eye Lasik Austin may recommend LASIK or other procedures in certain cases.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, scheduling an appointment with Eye Lasik Austin is the first step in managing your vision and exploring the right corrective options for your lifestyle.
If you’re interested to learn more about LASIK, book your consultation now! At Eye LASIK Austin, we’ll gladly perform a free, personalized consultation, where we’ll go over your vision goals and show you how to get there.
