The condition known as presbyopia refers to a problem with vision that usually occurs from the age of forty. The actual meaning of the word is Greek for 'elderly eye'. It results in blurred vision when an individual tries to read a book, newspaper, or use a computer. It is not possible to stop presbyopia from happening but the symptoms can be controlled to a certain degree.
One of the first signs of the condition is when people have to hold reading material such as books and newspapers at arm's length to be able to focus correctly on the words. If they need to concentrate their vision in this manner then they may suffer headaches from eye strain.
Presbyopia is not due to the same factors as astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. These eye problems are caused by the shape of the eyeball as well as genetic problems, but presbyopia is thought to be caused by a thickening, and lack of flexibility, in the lens of the eye due to changes in the proteins that are present. Also it is believed that the muscle fibers that surround the lens loose a degree of their elasticity.
To counteract the vision loss caused by presbyopia there are a number of treatments that are available. Perhaps the most common is to be prescribed eyewear. These are usually either bifocal lenses, or what is called progressive addition lenses.
Bifocal lenses work by having two different strengths within a single lens - the main part has a prescription to improve distant vision and the lower part has a strength to improve up close vision. If you would prefer a more natural progression in the lens from one strength to the other then progressive addition lenses would be better for you.
If you believe that there is nothing currently wrong with your distant vision, then you can simply wear reading glasses when you require improving the way in which you see objects and matter up close. Also reading glasses can be used by people that wear contact lenses who also suffer from presbyopia.
As we all age it is likely that the deterioration in the eye's lens will get worse over time. For this reason whatever eye wear is prescribed will have to be increased in strength every so often.
It is now also possible to have surgery to counter balance the problems caused by presbyopia. One such option is Conductive Keratoplasty treatment; this involves an alteration of the curvature of the cornea through the application of radio waves. Another method is LASIK surgery, this changes the shape of the cornea through laser pulses. - 30246
One of the first signs of the condition is when people have to hold reading material such as books and newspapers at arm's length to be able to focus correctly on the words. If they need to concentrate their vision in this manner then they may suffer headaches from eye strain.
Presbyopia is not due to the same factors as astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. These eye problems are caused by the shape of the eyeball as well as genetic problems, but presbyopia is thought to be caused by a thickening, and lack of flexibility, in the lens of the eye due to changes in the proteins that are present. Also it is believed that the muscle fibers that surround the lens loose a degree of their elasticity.
To counteract the vision loss caused by presbyopia there are a number of treatments that are available. Perhaps the most common is to be prescribed eyewear. These are usually either bifocal lenses, or what is called progressive addition lenses.
Bifocal lenses work by having two different strengths within a single lens - the main part has a prescription to improve distant vision and the lower part has a strength to improve up close vision. If you would prefer a more natural progression in the lens from one strength to the other then progressive addition lenses would be better for you.
If you believe that there is nothing currently wrong with your distant vision, then you can simply wear reading glasses when you require improving the way in which you see objects and matter up close. Also reading glasses can be used by people that wear contact lenses who also suffer from presbyopia.
As we all age it is likely that the deterioration in the eye's lens will get worse over time. For this reason whatever eye wear is prescribed will have to be increased in strength every so often.
It is now also possible to have surgery to counter balance the problems caused by presbyopia. One such option is Conductive Keratoplasty treatment; this involves an alteration of the curvature of the cornea through the application of radio waves. Another method is LASIK surgery, this changes the shape of the cornea through laser pulses. - 30246
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