As people advance in age, numerous changes take place in the eyes. One common effect of these changes is blurry near-vision. This age-related vision condition is known as presbyopia. It starts slowly, progresses gradually and becomes noticeable from an early to mid 40s and continues to the 60s. It is caused by the loss of the eyes ability to focus on near objects especially objects within 50 cm distance-range from the eyes. The closer an object or fine prints are from the eyes, the more blurry and strenuous it becomes for the eyes to see. This is the reason people with this condition ( presbyopic patients ) hold books or small items with their arm stretched forward in order to see clearly.
The Changes In The Eyes That Cause Presbyopia
The two parts of the eyes responsible for this condition are the lens ( which is naturally flexible ) and the ciliary muscles to which the lens is attached. Before late 30s, the ciliary muscles are effortlessly responsive to constant change of focus between far and near objects/prints. Its responsiveness alters, in split seconds, the shape of the lens which is naturally flexible.
However, as we get older, the ciliary muscles and lens, like most part of our body start to get weak. In other words, the ciliary muscles start to lose its responsiveness and the lens starts to lose its flexibility which makes it difficult for image of a tiny object or fine prints at close range to be focused on the retina and therefore hard for a presbyope to read fine prints or thread the needle. This whole process of constant change of focus from far to near or near to far is known as accommodation.
In a nutshell, as we get older, the eyes tend to lose accommodation which results to presbyopia and which as I earlier said, is age-related and nothing to worry about.
If you have presbyopia I advise that you visit an optometrist for eye examination to get prescription glasses. This may be progressive or bi-focal lens.
Written By;
Austin Madu, OD
Optometrist
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