What Are the Early Signs of Presbyopia?
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Vision changes are common as we age, and can impact our ability to see things clearly and perform our daily tasks effectively. At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, located in Baton Rouge, LA, our team of doctors possesses the training and tools to diagnose and treat a wide variety of visual disorders. Among these conditions is presbyopia which, while disruptive to daily life, is easily treatable.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common condition that affects an individual’s short-range vision. The eyes lose the ability to focus on objects that are nearby or close, causing those objects to appear blurry. To accommodate for the blurriness, individuals with presbyopia may need to place some distance between themselves and the object to enhance focus, like pulling a book further away from the face to read a page.
What are the early signs of presbyopia?
Vision changes can be immediate or gradual, depending on the root cause and the individual. Early signs and symptoms of presbyopia may include any of the following:
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Difficulty with focusing on objects close to the face
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Increase in eye strain when reading
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Headaches
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Trouble with reading small print
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Frequently holding reading material out at arm’s length or further
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Squinting regularly
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Requiring additional light for close-up work or reading
Contact our team at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians if you suspect that you are experiencing early signs of presbyopia.
What causes presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that typically affects adults over the age of 40. The lenses located in the eyes lose their flexibility, making it increasingly difficult to focus. Muscles surrounding each lens constrict, pulling on and shaping the lens to meet the visual demands of focusing on objects at variable distances. Certain medical conditions that affect blood circulation and nerve communications, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and heart disease, can cause premature presbyopia.
How is presbyopia diagnosed?
At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, our team of eye doctors performs comprehensive initial visual examinations to help determine if patients have presbyopia. Examinations include a series of visual tests to ascertain a diagnosis and to measure the level of correction needed for each eye.
What treatments are available for presbyopia?
In many cases, presbyopia can be corrected by using reading glasses, which can be removed during tasks that have less demand on close-up visual focus. For patients who have additional refractive issues, bifocal and progressive lenses are available for additional visual correction. Other treatments include multifocal contacts, monovision contacts, and corrective eye surgery, depending on the patient’s symptoms and their personal vision goals.
Should I consider corrective eye surgery for presbyopia?
Corrective eye surgery for presbyopia is designed as a permanent solution. The natural, inflexible lenses are removed and replaced with bifocal or trifocal implants to resolve the symptoms of presbyopia without the hassle of contacts or glasses. Corrective eye surgery is a very personal decision and should only occur based on thoughtful recommendations from a highly trained eye physician.
How to learn more about presbyopia and available treatment options.
If you reside in or around Baton Rouge, LA and are experiencing early signs and symptoms of presbyopia, contact our team at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians and schedule an appointment today. Our doctors will gladly assist you with your vision care needs, listen to your personal goals, make appropriate diagnoses, and provide you with the latest treatment options.