While the vast majority of vision problems will only affect a certain percentage of the population, there's one that's going to affect everyone eventually. That is presbyopia. It's a natural part of the aging process that occurs when the lenses in your eyes become thicker and start to lose their elasticity. This in turn will impact your eye's ability to change shape and focus, which will result in short-distance vision becoming blurry.
While annoying, the issue can be treated easily enough by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Newer methods of laser eye surgery are also providing treatment options. An optometrist will be able to diagnose presbyopia during a routine eye examination, but it's worth learning the common symptoms so you can start treating it as soon as possible.
With that in mind, here are just four signs you're starting to develop presbyopia.
1. You're Having Trouble Reading
For most people, the first noticeable sign of presbyopia is an inability to read properly at what used to be their normal reading distance, especially when they need to read the small print. If you find yourself having to hold books and magazines further and further from your face before the words become sharply visible, presbyopia is likely to be the cause.
2. You Need More Light
Another common sign of presbyopia is a need for more light. This is also often experienced when you need to read, but you may also find yourself needing more light than you used to for any task that requires you to view smaller details up close.
3. Your Eyes Feel Tired
When your vision starts to become blurry, the natural reaction is to squint. This will temporarily improve your eye's ability to focus, but it also places excess strain on both the eye and the muscles that surround it. If you reach the end of the day with sore muscles around the eyes or experience persistent eye strain, arrange an eye exam to check for presbyopia.
4. You're Getting Headaches
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above and don't have the underlying issue examined and corrected, you're going to find things getting worse instead of better. Untreated presbyopia often leads to headaches, especially after needing to view things close up for extended periods. Unfortunately, presbyopia will only make those headaches worse if left uncorrected.
Contact a local optometrist to learn more about eye examinations.
When I found out my toddler needed glasses, I wondered how I would ever get him to keep them on, and my fears were validated when my son decided they belonged in his dress-up box. A lot of trial and error and creative thinking were required to finally get to the point where my son would happily wear his glasses all day, and I felt relieved his eye health was being supported. I started this blog to share my tips with other parents whose child struggles to understand the importance of wearing glasses that have been prescribed for them. I hope you find my blog useful.