The ancients were not wrong when they said youth is fleeting, but most people do not think about when it starts. It is shocking to many when they reach their forties and realize their vision has started failing. You should not be alarmed when it starts happening because it is almost inevitable. 

It is common for people to develop age-related farsightedness called presbyopia. With presbyopia, you will notice that close things are blurry. It could be the eye of the needle you used to thread easily or your favorite author's books. 

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is quite different from the usual hyperopia or farsightedness. Hyperopia causes changes in the eye structure; the eye becomes shorter, and the cornea flatter. In presbyopia, the culprits are aging and loss of flexibility in the eye's natural lens. 

When you are younger, the eyes lens usually changes shape when switching focus from something far to something close. As you age, the lens slowly becomes less flexible and stiffens, making it difficult to change focus. 

Tips and Tricks to Cope

The first step you can do, and the most obvious, is to get reading glasses for changes in your vision. Here are some other things you can do to help you maintain a clear vision:
 

• Visit Your Eye Doctor

While presbyopia is inevitable and normal, experts agree that an eye exam is essential when you notice the symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam for both vision and eye health when you turn 40. During the eye exam, the eye doctor will find out the degree of presbyopia that you have. 

They will also get you the correct prescription for reading glasses that fit your presbyopia. They will advise you on other vision correction options like contacts or bifocals, primarily if you already use eyeglasses. 
 

• Improve Your Lighting

Presbyopia naturally makes it harder to see in dim or low light conditions, so you may find that you keep putting on lights in the house. You could be more deliberate by increasing the lighting in areas you frequent in the house. Ideally, your lighting should allow you to sit at least 16 to 20 inches away from the work you need to do and still see clearly. 
 

• Adjust Your Digital Devices

Many devices have adjustable settings that help people with vision issues work easier. You can adjust the size of the fonts and icons in your device to see better and with less straining. Try increasing the brightness on your screen or using bolder fonts. 
 

• Use Appropriate Eyewear When Driving

You can get prescription sunglasses that correct presbyopia when it is sunny outside. These sunglasses are usually progressives or bifocals, making it easier to see the controls in your car and the speedometer. 
 

• Take Breaks

When you are doing close-up work, take frequent breaks to prevent eyestrain. You could also reduce the chance of developing dry eyes by using proper eyeglasses for your task. You can get readers when working with text, books, and computer glasses when using a computer or digital screen.

For more tips and tricks for coping with age-related vision changes, visit Federal Hill Eye Care at our office in Baltimore, Maryland. Call (410) 752-8208​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.