According to the "2020-22 Population Health Survey Report" of the Center for Health Protection, presbyopia is no longer a privilege for middle-aged and elderly people in modern society. The proportion of the diseased population is as high as more than 40%, and even 5.1% of the population in the 35 to 44-year-old group suffers from presbyopia. This data shows that presbyopia has crossed the age limit and is no longer limited to the age of seventy-seventy-eighty. This trend reminds us that even young people should pay attention to presbyopia and control. The regulation of presbyopia is not only about vision and health, but also about quality of life and work efficiency. Therefore, we should actively explore different methods of regulation, including going into lenses and presbyopia lenses, to find solutions that best suit individual needs, so that everyone of the age can have a clear and bright vision and enjoy a higher quality life.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a visual problem that appears with age. It usually begins to appear around the age of 40 and gradually becomes evil with age. Presbyopia is caused by the stiffness and loss of elasticity in the crystals in the eyes, which makes it difficult for the eyes to adjust the focal length, especially when looking at objects in close range. This leads to people need to read materials or other close-range objects away from their eyes to gain a clear vision.
Presbyopia is not a disease, but a natural aging process of eyes. Common methods for solving presbyopia include wearing presbyopia lenses, invisible lenses, multifocal lenses or receiving vision foreskin surgery. Therefore, presbyopia is not a disease that needs to be treated, but a situation where vision can be improved by wearing a specific type of lens or invisible lens.
Symptoms of presbyopia
The primary symptoms of presbyopia include:
1. Difficulties with myopia:
Difficulty in seeing objects up close, particularly small print or minute details.
2. Reading difficulties:
When reading books, mobile phone screens or other close-up objects, one must hold them further away from the eyes in order to see clearly.
3. Eye strain:
After prolonged reading or viewing objects at close range, the eyes may feel fatigued, dry or sore.
4. Requires light:
Reading becomes more difficult in dimmer environments, requiring more light to see clearly.
5. Headache or eye pain:
Prolonged use of the eyes may lead to headaches or eye discomfort.
6. Difficulty adjusting the eyes' focal length:
When switching focus from distant objects to near objects, the eye's ability to adjust its focal length slows down, requiring more time to adapt.
These symptoms typically begin to appear around the age of 40 and gradually worsen with advancing age. Should any of the above symptoms manifest, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist promptly for examination to determine whether the vision issues are attributable to presbyopia.
Methods for Managing Presbyopia
Methods for managing presbyopia include the following options:
Vision correction surgery:
For some patients, undergoing vision correction surgery (such as SMILE or LASIK) represents a means of managing presbyopia. These procedures improve vision by reshaping the cornea, thereby eliminating the need for spectacles or contact lenses to correct vision.
- No longer needing to rely on spectacles or contact lenses
- Enhance visual quality and clarity
- Rapid recovery and brief period of discomfort
Multifocal intraocular lens:
Another method for managing presbyopia involves implanting multifocal intraocular lenses. These artificial lenses can replace the natural crystalline lens during surgery, enabling individuals to see clearly at both distance and near ranges simultaneously, thereby alleviating the inconvenience caused by presbyopia.
- Provide a wider field of view
- Improve focus adjustment for near and distant objects
- Reduce dependence on spectacles
The professional team at Medical Vision Eye Clinic will tailor the most suitable presbyopia management plan to your specific eye condition and lifestyle needs, enabling you to reduce reliance on spectacles or contact lenses while ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.
How to care for presbyopia?
In addition to methods for managing presbyopia, the following are some approaches that may help maintain eye health and alleviate symptoms of presbyopia:
Good lighting:
When reading or undertaking close-up work requiring concentration, ensure the environment is well-lit to reduce strain on the eyes.
Regular breaks:
After prolonged periods of close-up work, allow your eyes time to rest. Apply the '20-20-20' rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (approximately 6 metres) away for 20 seconds to help your eyes relax.
Appropriate reading distance:
Ensure reading materials are held at a moderate distance, neither too close nor too far from the eyes, to minimise eye strain.
Maintain good lifestyle habits:
Maintain a balanced diet and consume plenty of foods rich in vitamins A, C and E to help keep your eyes healthy.
Eye exercises:
Performing certain eye exercises can help alleviate eye strain and improve blood circulation around the eyes. Examples include blinking, eye massages, and exercises involving shifting focus between near and distant objects.
Regular eye examinations:
Undergo regular eye examinations to detect vision problems early and seek professional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Presbyopia
Can presbyopia be reversed?
Presbyopia cannot usually be completely reversed, as it is a natural phenomenon that occurs with advancing age. Presbyopia arises when the eye's lens becomes harder and loses elasticity, making it difficult for the eye to adjust its focus.
At what age does presbyopia typically begin?
The initial symptoms of presbyopia typically begin to appear around the age of 40 and gradually worsen with age. Most people notice the effects of presbyopia becoming pronounced around the age of 50.
What can be done about increasingly severe presbyopia?
Should symptoms of presbyopia gradually worsen, one should seek the advice of an ophthalmologist. The doctor may adjust the prescription of spectacles or recommend other management methods to ensure vision is effectively managed.
Can reading glasses be worn all the time?
Reading glasses may be worn continuously unless otherwise advised by an ophthalmologist. Wearing reading glasses can help improve near vision and enhance quality of life.
What complications can presbyopia lead to?
Potential complications of presbyopia include elevated intraocular pressure, retinal disorders, dry eye syndrome, and inflammation. Regular ophthalmic examinations, coupled with timely management and treatment of presbyopia, can help reduce the risk of such complications.