ONE of the most common reasons people visit an optometrist is a decline in their ability to read, or focus on objects at a close working distance.
Swan Hill and Kerang Optical optometrist Kayla Adams said while it could be frustrating, deteriorating vision was a natural part of the ageing process of the eye called presbyopia.
“As we age, the lens in our eye starts to harden and become less flexible, making it harder to readily change focal distance and see near objects clearly,” Ms Adams said.
“This gradual change happens to everyone, and is noticed most significantly between the ages of early 40s and mid-60s.
“The symptoms of presbyopia may sneak up on you. They include an increase in blurred vision when reading, having to hold reading material further away from you to see clearly, needing brighter lighting to read easier, or feelings of eye strain or tired eyes which may result in headaches.
“If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should schedule an eye examination with your optometrist to discuss how your symptoms can be relieved.”
Swan Hill and Kerang Optical is equipped with the knowledge and solutions to help correct presbyopia.
“At your eye examination, one of our friendly local optometrists will test how well you can see up close by placing different lenses in front of your eyes,” Ms Adams said.
“This information is then combined with other test results to determine if you have presbyopia, and if so, how much it is affecting your near vision.”
Ms Adams said while presbyopia could not be prevented or cured, properly prescribed glasses or contact lenses will make reading at a variety of distances much easier and clearer.
“This may be in the form of reading glasses prescribed specifically for you eye’s prescription and specific working distances, or options such as multifocal or bifocal spectacles will also be discussed,” she said.
“Your eyesight will not deteriorate as a result of wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses. However as presbyopia is a continual process, be aware that you may need to change your prescription every few years to ensure you are able to see as well as you can.”
Swan Hill and Kerang Optical prides itself on having patient-centred care and creating spectacle solutions that are tailored to each patient’s unique visual needs.
To start a discussion about presbyopia, as well as any other vision concerns, make an appointment at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical at www.swanhilloptical.com.au or call 5033 1424.
