What is presbyopia?
If you speak to someone over 40, or if you are over 40 yourself, you probably suffer from presbyopia. This visual problem, while not a serious condition, can cause bothersome problems in daily life.
A problem that affects many
If you have to stretch your arms more and more to read, you are likely suffering from the onset of presbyopia. How is it possible? Simply because you are getting older!
This visual defect affects the lens of the eye. It is a small element located under the iris of the eye that has the task of refracting the various rays of light it traps. This lens thus enables the retina to receive close-up images. The lens is also important in keeping the images sharp as it will allow you to focus and get a clear representation of what you are seeing. Presbyopia therefore corresponds to a lack of focus on close objects, which leads to blurry images.
The adjustment of the vision between distance vision and near vision is done by the eye muscles attached to the lens. Over time, the lens loses its elasticity. The connection is then poor and the nearby vision blurred. The lens can no longer change the radius of curvature, as a result of which the light rays can converge on the observed object. This phenomenon begins in your 40s and can worsen into the early 60s. The lens, harder and sometimes thicker, then transmits information with less precision. The rays of light will pass less well and we will need more light to see better. This is why you need to turn on a lamp to read your book in daylight.
The first signs appear between 40 and 50 years of age. The person will find it increasingly difficult to read small letters, especially when the light is dim. The difficulty disappears with the addition of additional light or with the distance from the object. Without correction, headaches and eye strain can vary in degree.
Although presbyopia is related to age, it can occur in people at an early age. It is then a problem related to the use of certain medications or certain diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases that play a role on the retina and lens.
In either case, presbyopia will not go away without treatment or help and can develop into a real vision problem
What can be done to fight presbyopia?
Various age-related pathologies can be corrected, such as cataracts that can be operated on. However, this is not the case with presbyopia. The development of the quality of the lens is essential. The first signs can appear as early as 40 years or a little later, but the more or less important loss of elasticity is a factor that cannot be avoided. Even if you do different exercises with your eyes.
If the person affected by this vision disorder is younger than 40 years and is not exposed to any other pathology that affects the eyes, there is no presbyopia. We will then turn to the diagnosis of
hyperopia or astigmatism. Age is an important factor in diagnosis.
Of course, if this happens to you, you have to say that it will go away or that it will get better tomorrow. Degeneration is inevitable and can become more severe over time. Presbyopia affects around 700,000 new people each year and around 20 million people in the UK. Its development stabilizes around 60/65 years, but the lens does not return to its previous elasticity. If you don't do anything, close up is still a big problem. Your eyesight can lose up to 3 dioptres, which can be crippling if you use near vision frequently.
For your comfort, it is therefore important to take matters into your own hands and look for solutions to improve near vision and continue to see normally.
Against the effects of presbyopia
If it becomes increasingly difficult for you to see the objects in your area, you need to consider a solution. There are several methods of improving eyesight, from the simplest to the most difficult. To get a correction that fits your case perfectly, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist. They can run various tests to see if it is actually an age-related aging problem with the lens.
The ophthalmologist will do an accurate eye test and ask you about your age. He will then suggest the most suitable solution for you, depending on your lifestyle and the specifics of your eyes.
See better
If you don't have any other visual problem, fixing it can be very easy. You need presbyopia glasses and you can find your near vision easily. You don't have to wear them all day. You can only put them on if you have to look at them up close - creative hobbies, reading, crossword puzzles, handicrafts ... These "reading glasses" - as they are often called - bring more comfort to the eyes and give the retina additional luminosity. This allows you to better adapt your vision to the medium. They replace the faulty lens and can be compared to a pair of magnifying glasses for the sake of simplicity. You will see better up close and be able to continue your activities without straining your eyes.
The lenses for a better view up close have a thicker lens on the bottom. If you have myopia, progressive lenses are recommended to improve near and distance vision.
You can also prefer lenses, more specifically progressive models. These are very useful when you don't want to change your glasses all the time - to take turns looking from near and far. Silicone hydrogel lenses offer you a lot of comfort and are forgotten during the day.
It is also possible to have an operation. You can then be presented with two proposals. The first, LASIK, will reshape the cornea. The principle is to accommodate the eyes differently. The specialist then adjusts one eye to near vision and the other to far vision. This surgery can also be performed via CK or conductive keratoplasty. Even if it seems complicated, the principle is actually quite simple. The surgeon will use the radio frequencies from the eyes to change the focus of each eye. It takes between 2 and 3 days to get a quality view again after the operation.
It is still possible to place an eye implant. This technique is recommended after 60 years. It consists of replacing the lens with an implant. The eyesight is significantly improved. This process is ideal if you have an early cataract.
If you do not want to get into the hands of a professional surgeon, it is better to turn to glasses, which is the simplest and most effective solution. You can make your decision with the advice of your ophthalmologist, who will choose the preferred procedure depending on the degree of vision loss.
Perfect glasses for your vision and your style
To correct presbyopia, you need to equip your glasses with appropriate lenses. These are convex and naturally enlarged, especially in the lower central part of the lens. It is useful to have the development of your presbyopia checked every three years in order to adjust the correction as best as possible
This correction affects both eyes as they are affected identically in presbyopia.
Depending on your age, needs, and activities, you can use different models of presbyopia glasses
If you just want to read or write more easily, simple glasses are perfect. They act as a magnifying glass and allow you to read comfortably without turning on the light or stretching out your hand. They are usually worn in the middle of the nose for easy reading. It is important to reserve them for occupations that require close vision. Indeed, if you look far with them, they can cause visual disturbances.
Progressive lenses are ideal for anyone who has another vision problem that has been aggravated by presbyopia. These models enable the simultaneous correction of distance and near vision.
Stay stylish with your glasses
Just because you can't see well up close doesn't mean you have to neglect your style. That is why choosing the right frame is important. If you only use your glasses for reading, you can opt for small frames with which you can, for example, focus your eyes on a book page. These frames bring a retro touch that is very fashionable today. In order not to appear too serious, you can then play with the colours and patterns.
For glasses with progressive lenses, it is preferable to choose tall frames that cover the eye well. If you like sobriety, round frames are preferred. You can also choose models with rhinestones or rivets, which are very successful.
If you have to wear your glasses all day, choose lightweight frames. Cellulose acetate - like any other plastic - is perfect for thick and light frames. Metal frames - made of titanium or aluminium, for example - are very designers and go very well with a chic, contemporary look
Do you have a crush on the XXL models from Balenciaga or do you prefer the small frames from Benetton? In either case, you need to choose a model of glasses that is suitable for your face. Playing with contrasts is always a guarantee of success. A square area is highlighted by round frames. Round areas are highlighted by rectangular frames.
You can also take into account your complexion and adopt shades in harmony with it. Choosing colours that stand out from your skin tone brings more modernity
Most of the frames on offer are available for progressive correction and thus for presbyopia
