Let’s talk about Presbyopia. So you suddenly noticed you are having challenges reading small prints especially when illumination is not as bright; you are wondering what is happening right? This is neither Hyperopia (long-sightedness) nor Myopia (shortsightedness) but Presbyopia.
Yes, presbyopia! and it’s just a realization you are close or better still above 40yrs. Yeah, unfortunately, that is just the realization, age is gradually setting in and the normally flexible crystalline lens which shortens and thickens for you to read small prints loses the elasticity with which this happens and you find yourself pushing prints within arm’s length with good lighting to read. The muscle fibres around the lens also loses its flexibility to make this adjustment happen.
Unfortunately, you might have to be confined to wearing spectacles to be able to function normally; did I hear you “hiss” at the thought? Lol; you should be thinking about this sooner than you imagined. There are a few options;
1. Bifocals – a two piece lens was the wider upper portion helps you see distance and the funny crescent underneath is meant to help magnify the now small prints. This ensures you are able to see both distance and near at the same time.
2. Progressives/ Varifocals – these categories have a smooth transition of distance, intermediate and near reading areas for ease of use with no visible demarcation on the lenses. So this readily comes in handy to drive, work on the computer and reading.
Other options are contact lenses with the prescription worn over one eye or laser surgery was the curvature of an eye is altered to correct for this anomaly. Unfortunately, with further lens changes, the power of the prescription rises and the need for a periodic upgrade of the prescription will be necessary to compliment for the error. Yeah there is truly nothing to worry about since there is nothing you could have done to avert this from happening; however you are encouraged to live healthy, eat fruits and vegetables, conduct periodic eye exams, stop smoking and cut down on your alcohol, ensure you have adequate lighting each time you read and ensure to avoid stress to maintain healthy vision.
So have fun and live each day knowing there is a near solution to all your problems.
