Presbyopia

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the gradual deterioration in our vision. Unfortunately this is just another part of the aging process which means this will likely happen to all of us when we hit our 40s. It’s nothing to worry about and it’s easily treated.

What to look out for

When you are in your early to mid-40s you might start to notice the following symptoms:

• Holding reading material at arms length to see it clearly
• Squinting to read the small print
• Things looking a little blurry up close

What causes Presbyopia?

As mentioned, this is just a normal part of the aging process for most of us. As we get older, the lens at the front of our eye becomes more rigid so that it can’t focus light onto the retina, at the back of our eye, properly. As a result things can look a bit blurry.

Treatment

If you start to notice any of the symptoms above, it’s best to book an appointment for an eye test.

The Optometrist will undertake an eye test and advise whether a prescription for glasses or contact lenses is needed. These may be a pair of reading glasses, or if you already wear glasses for short-sightedness, a pair of Varifocal lenses which combine reading and distance prescriptions into one pair of glasses.

You may be entitled to eyecare on the NHS, if you are under 16, over 60 or receiving certain benefits. You can find out more about NHS Eye Care here.