Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a common age-related visual complication. Often termed as ‘aging eye condition’, presbyopia occurs mostly after the age of 40 and results in difficulty seeing objects at a near distance. The condition has a significant effect on the quality of vision and quality of life as it affects daily routine tasks such as reading and work requiring close focus. Timely diagnosis and optical corrections are necessary to meet the near-vision demands of the patient.
Aging is the primary risk factor for presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a global problem affecting over a billion people worldwide.
Approximately 14% of the United Kingdom population is suffering from presbyopia.
Having significant social implications, annual global costs of productivity losses associated with presbyopia are reported to be US$ 25.4 billion.
What causes presbyopia?
Presbyopia is more likely to develop in people with an age of more than 40. Most people experience some kind of complication in focusing on near objects as they age, but some might experience it more.
Following are the common symptoms that may appear:
Having difficulties in reading small print
Problem seeing close objects
Eye strain
Headaches
Fatigue
How is presbyopia diagnosed?
Regular eye checkups are recommended after the age of 40 to timely diagnose any age-related visual complication. Presbyopia can be identified during a comprehensive dilated eye examination and it can affect you even if you wear glasses, in which case a new prescription might be required.
Treatment and management of presbyopia
In most cases, the disease is poorly managed due to lack of awareness but complications can be reduced by simple and safe means including the use of eyeglasses having high focusing power. This helps in restoring the near vision. You may also use contact lenses or reading glasses which help in reading vision.
