Presbyopia, or "aging eyes," is a condition typically experienced by people in their 40s. Early symptoms include blurred near vision, headaches, and eye strain.

Those with presbyopia often find themselves needing to move reading materials like books or phones away from their eyes in order to see the text clearly. Although it cannot be fully cured, presbyopia can be managed effectively with the right prescription glasses. But the question is, can it be prevented?

What is Presbyopia or Aging Eyes?

Presbyopia is a condition where the eye's ability to focus on close objects gradually decreases. It is a natural part of the aging process and can interfere with daily activities.

The symptoms of presbyopia usually begin in the early 40s and tend to worsen until about the age of 65. A common early sign is the need to move objects like books or cell phones further away to read them clearly.

Some other signs of presbyopia include:

• Needing additional light when reading.

• Blurry vision when looking at objects up close.

• Holding reading materials at arm's length to see more clearly.

• Experiencing headaches after doing close-up tasks, such as reading or sewing.

• Eyes feeling tired or sore after prolonged focus.

It’s important to note that presbyopia is not a disease, but rather a natural age-related change. When you are younger, the eye's lens can easily change shape to focus on objects at close range, thanks to the flexible muscles around the eyes. These muscles relax when the focus shifts to distant objects.

However, by the age of 40, these muscles lose some of their elasticity, and the eyes' lenses becomes stiffer, making it harder to focus on close objects.

Can Presbyopia Be Prevented?

Since presbyopia is a natural part of aging, it cannot be prevented. However, there are healthy habits that can help maintain overall eyes health and potentially slow the progression of the condition.

Here are some ways to promote eyes health and delay the onset of presbyopia:

• Eat a balanced diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients support eye health. Foods such as leafy greens, fish, and eggs are good choices to protect the eyes from damage.

• Avoid unhealthy habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of early presbyopia. These habits may also contribute to dry eyes, causing discomfort.

• Prevent dry eyes: Dry eyes can worsen presbyopia symptoms. To prevent dryness, make a habit of blinking more often, especially when using electronic devices, or use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

• Limit screen time: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking at something 20 feet away. Don't forget to blink during breaks to keep your eyes moist.

• Wear sunglasses: When outside, especially in the morning or afternoon, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can damage the lens of the eye.

How to Treat Presbyopia

The main goal of treating presbyopia is to help the eyes refocus on nearby objects. Common treatment options include:

• Reading glasses: Available over-the-counter or prescribed by an eye doctor for more personalized results.

• Contact lenses: There are various types of lenses, such as multifocal or monovision lenses, designed to help with both near and far vision.

• Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK or conductive keratoplasty reshape the cornea, improving near vision.

• Lens implants: This procedure involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one, often performed during cataract surgery.

• Corneal inlays: A small plastic ring is implanted into the cornea to alter its curvature, improving close-range vision.

• Special eye drops: Some drops help improve the eye's ability to focus on near objects, though the effects are temporary.

While presbyopia is an inevitable part of aging, there are effective treatments available to manage its symptoms. If you experience symptoms of presbyopia, consult an ophthalmologist for appropriate care. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

Want to know information about other diseases? Check here, well!