Presbyopia in Rhode Island

After the age of 40, it is very common for individuals to experience a decline in their near vision. This age-related condition is called presbyopia, and it affects the ability to see or focus on images or objects close up. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, so even individuals who have had great vision throughout life could potentially develop the condition. Generally, people become aware of their presbyopia when they start needing to hold items, such as cell phones and books, farther away to see them clearly. At Koch Eye Associates, we can provide several alternative solutions for improving presbyopic vision. To learn more about presbyopia and the options for treatment, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced optometrists today. To best serve our patients, we have locations across the greater Rhode Island area, including in Warwick, North Kingstown, Woonsocket, and Wakefield, RI.

If you have begun to develop presbyopia, you will typically notice that you can no longer focus on close-up items or images as well as you used to. It becomes necessary to hold things, like books and smartphones, farther away from your eyes to see them clearly. Many people start to notice eye strain, fatigue, and headaches after spending some time using a computer, looking at a mobile device, or reading. It is also quite common for people to mistakenly believe that their blurred vision is caused by poor lighting. Presbyopia generally begins at about the age of 40, which is when the eyes start to lose flexibility. If not diagnosed and treated, these symptoms can worsen over time.

While most refractive vision problems are related to the shape of the eye, presbyopia is not. The proteins within the lens of the eye are affected by age, especially after the age of 40, causing the lens to harden and thicken. The aging process also affects the muscle fibers that surround the lens. These changes to the flexibility of the lens mean that it can no longer expand and contract as easily or as much in order to focus. Since these changes happen naturally with age, they also progress with age, making it more and more difficult to focus on nearby objects over time.

Presbyopia is most commonly managed with the use of eyeglasses made with progressive or bifocal lenses. Progressive lenses look just like regular lenses but can correct vision at multiple distances. Bifocal lenses typically have a visible area near the bottom for use with up-close vision. Both of these are ideal solutions for patients with more than one refractive problem. Some patients also choose to simply use reading glasses, which they remove when they are not viewing something close up.

Age-related loss of near vision, called presbyopia, is a very common condition that begins to develop around the age of 40. It is quite treatable, so the frustrations in daily life that come along with it can be easily managed. If you have noticed a decline in your near vision, contact us today for your comprehensive eye exam. At Koch Eye Associates, we have a great team of optometrists in greater Rhode Island who can help bring back your clearest vision.