Presbyopia is a type of near vision disorder that develops with age and is especially common after the age of 40. This condition, which develops as a result of the lens of the eye losing its flexibility, makes it difficult for the individual to see nearby objects clearly.
This vision problem, which is quite common today, can negatively affect the quality of life. The symptoms of the disease usually manifest themselves when reading a book, using a mobile phone or in tasks that require close-range focus, such as sewing. Patients try to read by holding texts at a distance or have difficulty focusing even in sufficient light.
Presbyopia treatment offers different options with the development of technology. It is important to determine the most appropriate treatment method for the person among glasses, contact lenses, laser treatment and surgical methods. Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process in the eye and although it cannot be completely prevented, its effects can be reduced.
Visual comfort can be increased with early diagnosis and intervention thanks to eye examination. In this content, you will find answers to all the questions about presbyopia and learn the symptoms, causes and treatment alternatives of presbyopia in detail.
What is Presbyopia (Near Vision Impairment)?
Presbyopia is a near vision problem that occurs especially as a result of the eye lens losing its flexibility. The natural focusing ability in the eye decreases with age. This situation manifests itself with complaints of not being able to see near, especially after the age of 40.
The eye lens can easily focus on objects at different distances thanks to its flexible structure at a young age. However, this flexibility is lost over time and clarity decreases.
Presbyopia is a result of physiological aging in the eye and is one of the most common vision disorders. The need for glasses is quite normal during this period and most individuals notice this condition as they age. Taking care of eye health can slow down its progression, but it may not be possible to completely eliminate the condition.
What is the Difference Between Presbyopia and Hyperopia?
Although presbyopia and hyperopia are both conditions that cause near vision impairment, they occur for different reasons. Hyperopia is usually a congenital refractive error. The eye sees distant objects clearly while near objects are blurred. This condition may progress with age, but it is mainly caused by the eyeball being short or the cornea being flat.
Presbyopia is an age-related vision defect that develops as a result of the lens of the eye losing its flexibility. Therefore, it is a result of aging in the eye and occurs in all individuals at a certain age.
What Causes Near Vision Impairment?
Presbyopia occurs when the lens of the eye hardens and loses its flexibility with age. During this natural process, the lens of the eye has difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Presbyopia is considered to be caused by the aging process and is therefore commonly seen in individuals over the age of 40.
However, some factors can accelerate presbyopia:
Chronic diseases such as diabetes
Working in jobs that focus on close-up objects for long periods of time
Long-term exposure to sunlight
Genetic predisposition
Smoking
These factors may cause the need for treatment at an earlier age. Regular eye examinations are an important step in controlling these risks.
At What Age Does Presbyopia Start?
The problem of nearsightedness, which usually occurs after the age of 40, can vary from person to person. While it starts at the age of 38 in some individuals, it may not show symptoms until the age of 45 in others. However, the generally accepted age range is 40-45. After these ages, difficulty focusing on objects such as books and phone screens begins.
Does Presbyopia Progress?
Presbyopia is a progressive visual impairment. After the first symptoms are noticed, their severity may increase over the years. The need for glasses increases during this process and prescriptions may change.
It can progress more rapidly, especially in the first years. It is necessary to follow the symptoms of the disease correctly and keep the eyeglass number up to date.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Age is the most important factor in the development of the disease. However, the following conditions increase the risk:
Genetic predisposition
Diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis
Excessive exposure to sunlight
Smoking and alcohol use
Long-term staring at a computer screen
Hormonal changes (especially menopause)
These factors can cause presbyopia to appear earlier or progress more rapidly.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Presbyopia?
Nearsightedness cannot be completely prevented. However, it is possible to slow down its progression and protect eye health. The following should be taken into consideration:
Using sunglasses that will protect the eyes from UV rays
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
Having regular eye examinations
Taking breaks from the screen to rest the eyes
Doing eye area exercises
These practices can delay the relationship between presbyopia and the aging process.
What are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?
Recognizing the symptoms of presbyopia is important for early intervention. The most common symptoms:
Difficulty focusing on nearby objects
Need to hold the screen of a book, phone or tablet far away
Eye strain while reading
Headache and blurred vision
Difficulty seeing in insufficient light
Feeling inability to see far
These symptoms can be eliminated with glasses, contact lenses or another presbyopia treatment.
How is Presbyopia Diagnosed?
Presbyopia is diagnosed with a detailed eye examination. Tests such as refraction test, visual acuity test and measuring the ability to focus on near objects are applied. The most appropriate treatment method is determined in line with the patient’s eye structure, complaints and needs. The evaluation of a specialist ophthalmologist is critical in this process.
Presbyopia (Near Vision Impairment) Treatment
Presbyopia treatment is planned by taking into account the patient’s lifestyle, eye structure and professional requirements. The treatment options applied today are as follows:
Glasses: This is the most commonly used method. Reading glasses or multifocal glasses can be preferred.
Contact lenses: Monovision or multifocal lens options are available. It may not be suitable for all patients.
Laser treatment: Focusing ability is gained by intervening in the cornea structure of the eye.
Surgical methods: These are more permanent methods such as intraocular lens placement.
Orthoptic exercises: It can be supportive especially in early stage cases.
Can Presbyopia Be Completely Cured?
Since the disease develops as a result of the loss of flexibility of the eye lens, it cannot be completely reversed. However, the patient’s daily life quality can be significantly increased with the treatment of the disease. Surgical treatments and laser applications can offer longer-term solutions. The need for glasses can be minimized with the right treatment choice.
Presbyopia Surgery
Presbyopia surgery is especially suitable for those looking for an alternative to glasses or contact lenses. The most common surgical options:
Multifocal intraocular lens implants
Monovision laser surgery
Special laser applications called PresbyLASIK
Scleral implants
The recovery process after surgery is usually rapid and patients can see clearly at distance and near in a short time. However, not every patient is suitable for this procedure.