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Age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

How will I know if I have presbyopia?

The main symptom of presbyopia is having difficulty seeing things close up.

Explanation

Usually, people don't begin to have symptoms of presbyopia until they are in or approaching their 40s (with the exception of premature presbyopia). These symptoms may only become noticeable when you are carrying out certain tasks.

Difficulty reading is a sign of presbyopia. Many people find that they can only read for short periods of time and find very small or poorly contrasted print difficult to read. Others may notice blurring or double print on the page, need more light to read or become tired when reading. Other tasks such as threading a needle or seeing fine detail on an object will also become harder. This may be especially noticeable at the end of a busy day or if you are tired at the end of the working week. People who have short-sightedness (myopia) may find that they rely less on their glasses, taking them off more often.

As presbyopia is an age-related condition it's recommended that you have your eyes tested by an optometrist once you are over 40. This is mainly to check for diseases like glaucoma, but your optometrist will also be able to check for presbyopia.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006
  • Optometric clinical practice guidelines: Care of the patient with presbyopia. American Optometric Association. www.aoa.org, accessed 15 January 2008
  • Getting an eye test. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).www.rnib.org.uk, accessed 18 January 2008
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Why do I need to have regular check-ups with my optometrist if I have presbyopia?

It's important to have regular check-ups with your optometrist because presbyopia is an age-related condition. This means that as you get older you will find it more and more difficult to see close objects clearly.

Explanation

The lens of your eye begins to stiffen and lose its elasticity at around the age of 40. These changes to the lens will be complete and stop naturally at about the age of 60. The symptoms of presbyopia will gradually get worse between these ages. It's important to see your optometrist as the lenses in your glasses or contact lenses may no longer be strong enough for you.

It's recommended that you attend an eye test every two years. You will be able to discuss any changes to your vision and any concerns you have.

Your optometrist won't just check your vision; he or she will also check your eyes for any signs of disease or general health problems. This type of check-up can pick up early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, which if left untreated can lead to loss of vision and blindness.

Further information

Sources

  • Collier J, Longmore M, Scally P. Oxford handbook of clinical specialities. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003
  • Getting an eye test. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). www.rnib.org.uk, accessed 18 January 2008
  • What happens in an eye examination? The College of Optometrists. www.college-optometrists.org, accessed 18 January 2008
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How can I prevent presbyopia?

You can't prevent presbyopia as it's a natural part of the ageing process. Almost everyone will have presbyopia eventually.

Explanation

Presbyopia isn't a disease - it's a normal expected change that happens to almost everyone sooner or later. The lens of the eye begins to stiffen and lose elasticity around the age of 40 - these changes are usually completed by the age of 60. There is nothing you can do to prevent these changes from happening.

However, presbyopia can happen earlier than normal - this is called premature presbyopia -and there are some risk factors associated with this. You can make simple lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of premature presbyopia. These include:

  • have regular check-ups with your optometrist - uncorrected long-sightedness can put strain on your eyes
  • try not to do close-up work for long periods of time
  • eat a healthy, balanced diet - poor nutrition may increase the risk of premature presbyopia
  • try to stay out of the sun - research has shown that high exposure from the sun's UV rays may increase your likelihood of developing premature presbyopia

Further information

Sources

  • Collier J, Longmore M, Scally P. Oxford handbook of clinical specialities. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003
  • Optometric clinical practice guidelines: Care of the patient with presbyopia. American Optometric Association. www.aoa.org, accessed 15 January 2008
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Will wearing reading glasses make my eyes lazy?

No. There is no evidence to suggest that wearing reading glasses will make your eyes lazy or more reliant on them.

Explanation

Presbyopia is an age-related condition so over time your vision will gradually get worse. This is a totally natural result of the ageing process. Changes to the eye's lens start at around the age of 40 and are complete by the age of 60. You may think that wearing your reading glasses more often has made your vision worse, but this is not the case.

Also, after you have been wearing your glasses for a while and become more used to them, you may feel that your vision is worse. However, this is probably due to the improvements in your vision from wearing your glasses compared with when you aren't wearing them.

Further information

Sources

  • Collier J, Longmore M, Scally P. Oxford handbook of clinical specialities. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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