If you've had perfect vision for your entire life, you may be shocked to learn that your vision can start to deteriorate as you age. The time to focus on your senior eye health is now.
Presbyopia is one of the most common eye conditions affecting seniors in Shelbyville, IN. With presbyopia, you may encounter reading difficulty as one of the primary symptoms.
When do you need reading glasses? The answer may not be as clear-cut as you would expect. Read on to learn more about vision and aging, and Shelbyville wellness tips for how to navigate these changes.
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs when your lens begins to lose flexibility. As you age, the reduced level of flexibility makes it more difficult to focus, leading to blurred vision.
Presbyopia affects almost everyone, which is why it is so common to see reading glasses in:
Treatment for presbyopia includes:
Reading glasses are the most common treatment for presbyopia. Some of the key benefits of reading glasses include:
Below, you'll learn about some signs that you may need reading glasses.
Wanting to read text with larger print isn't a negative thing in itself. It may be easier on your eyes, rather than struggling to absorb fine print when you don't need to.
However, you should evaluate whether you want to read larger print due to preference or necessity. Try testing your vision with a smaller font and see if you struggle.
It's important to visit the optometrist if you have preexisting conditions or a family history of eye problems. If your vision problems have you wondering about a trip to the eye doctor, listen to your gut and schedule an appointment.
For new visitors, you will likely have to fill out pre-visit forms, where you will list things such as:
A standard vision exam typically includes the following:
The cost of the exam depends on whether you have vision insurance. With insurance coverage, you may need a copay, but without it, you will likely have to pay out of pocket.
If you are a veteran, check with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to see if you qualify for vision coverage. You may be able to get the care you need for free or at a lower cost than standard vision insurance plans.
Although it is not ideal to read in low light, your eyes should be able to compensate, to a degree. Overhead light should be adequate for most readers.
However, if you have noticed that you need brighter, more direct light to read your material, you may be suffering from presbyopia.
When you cannot see properly up close, squinting can relieve some symptoms. As you squint, your eyes have a narrower field of view, making it easier to focus. Your eyes will not have to compensate as much to correct your vision.
When you struggle to see up close, you will tire out your eyes more quickly. Have you noticed yourself getting exhausted while reading?
As your vision worsens, your body will take steps on its own to try to compensate for the loss. This uses up more energy, which, in turn, drains energy reserves from other areas.
When you have presbyopia, holding reading material further away may make it easier to read. Your eyes won't have to do as much work to focus, meaning even if the print is smaller from further away, it will be more easily digestible.
Pay attention to how far away your reading material is from your face. If you find yourself holding it further away than expected, try bringing it closer and see if your vision changes. You'll be able to tell right away if you have reading difficulty.
Similar to tiring out easily, your eyes working excessively can manifest in painful, frequent headaches. Headaches often occur when doing work that is on a screen, such as a:
Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol for a temporary solution. Headache caps are also a good way to alleviate symptoms without the assistance of medication.
Pay attention to when the headache symptoms manifest. If they occur while doing tasks that involve excessive eye use, then the cause is likely related to presbyopia.
Dry eyes can range from itchy and irritating to painful and debilitating. Despite their prevalence, they can be frustrating to deal with and often signal larger issues.
Dry eyes and presbyopia are not directly related, but they can certainly worsen each other's symptoms. For instance, if your eyes are already strained from squinting, dry eye symptoms can exacerbate the problem.
Aging and vision don't have to be complex when you have the right resources. So, when do you need reading glasses? Ultimately, the answer depends on you, your care team, and a qualified eye doctor.
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Are you ready to make the transition to assisted living or memory care? Reach out to us today to learn more. We can't wait to meet you!