Close-up vision is very important. Unfortunately though, as we grow older, it is common to experience a gradual worsening in this vision. You may have started to experience difficulties when doing needlework, while reading a book or when you look at the computer screen. This is referred to as presbyopia.
Presbyopia is actually a natural part of the aging process, and it often starts at around age 40. In order to be able to see close-up objects, the eyes have to accommodate by changing the thickness of the lens. This is done while the ciliary muscles tighten, so that the light rays coming from objects close by can be brought into sharper focus on the retina. As we grow older, the lens becomes stiffer and less elastic. As a result, the lens will find it difficult to change its shape.
The first thing that comes to mind is that you may need a pair of affordable reading glasses. Sometimes non-prescription reading glasses, or readers, which are found in many drugstores will suffice. If not, you may need higher quality prescription glasses. Your eye doctor will be able to decide if you require bifocal, trifocal or progressive multifocal, depending on your needs. Sometimes monovision or multifocal contact lenses can also be helpful.
These are all non-surgical treatment options. Then, there are surgical eye treatments. The most common option in this case is the Monovision Lasik surgery. In this surgery one of the eyes is corrected for distance vision, while the other eye is left for near vision. Depth perception could be affected by this treatment, and there are also people who find it a bit difficult to get used to monovision.
Another surgical option is the refractive lens exchange. This is very similar to the cataract surgery, as the eye’s natural lens gets replaced with an artificial lens.
Correcting presbyopia is something that can be done. Consulting with an eye doctor is the best option as he or she will be able to suggest which treatment is most suitable for you, depending on your needs, budget, lifestyle and preferences. If you already have glasses, or use contact lenses, it is still important that you consult an eye doctor since prescriptions change over time, and even more so if you have presbyopia. People who spend plenty of time trying to focus on small objects may also develop presbyopia at a younger age.