Agh! My eyes are getting old.

Have noticed that it is just not as easy to read the fine print anymore? 

If you’re over the age of 40, ask around and you’ll realise you are not the only one!

At around the age of 40 our eyes start to change making it more difficult to see near objects clearly.  This is actually a normal part of aging and is called Presbyopia.  

Some of the things you might notice include holding reading material further away to make the letters clearer, blurred vision at your normal reading distance or eye strain after reading. It’s often more difficult in low light situations, especially in the morning or late at night when you are tired.  

Presbyopia is not a disease, but rather a normal age-related process.  When we are young the lens in our eyes is flexible and elastic, and changes its shape when we need to change our focus from far to near.  However, the ability to do this gradually decreases and most people will start to notice problems with their near vision in the mid-40s when they can no longer focus at their normal reading distance.  Generally the problem will continue to get worse until it stabilises at around age 60. 

There is no proven way to prevent the onset of presbyopia, and because the lens in the eye is not a muscle, exercises do not help.   

It may be that all you need is a pair of glasses or contact lenses to bring your near vision back into focus. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses you may find that the ones you have do not work as well for near vision anymore.  

An eye exam can confirm presbyopia and your optometrist will be able to help you decide what will work the best for you depending on your natural eyesight, lifestyle, occupation and hobbies.  Many people turn to ready made reading glasses, which can help, but between the ages of 40 and 60, vision often changes rapidly and regular eye examinations are essential to ensure that your eyes are healthy and give you the most efficient and comfortable vision possible.  

It is important not to assume that changes in your vision are simply due to your age. Although that may be true, changes may also be due to a disease or condition that can lead to blindness, and having a full and thorough eye examination is the only way to be sure.