Understanding Presbyopia and Treatment Options

Our eyes’ natural lenses grow less flexible when we age, impacting our ability to focus on near objects. It is a natural part of the ageing process and is referred to as presbyopia, more commonly known as "Lao Hua Yan" ("老花眼").

Presbyopia usually develops around age 40 and will gradually worsen until your mid-60s. Those with the condition may notice that reading or other close-up tasks become more challenging, and they might find themselves needing to hold a book or phone at arm’s length to decipher the text.

Fortunately, presbyopia is a common refractive error that eye care specialists can help correct with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Let us share more details about the condition to help you understand its causes and the correction options available to you.

What Are The Symptoms Of Presbyopia

As we have shared, presbyopia develops gradually. You may first notice the following symptoms around age 40:

• Blurry vision at normal reading distances
• Eyestrain or headaches after doing close-up work or reading
• You need to hold the reading material farther away to decipher the text
• You notice the symptoms worsening when you are tired or in an area with dim lighting

If you experience the following signs, consider consulting an eye care practitioner immediately. Blurry close-up vision can significantly impact your quality of life, preventing you from reading, doing close-up work, or enjoying other regular activities. An eye care practitioner can assess your condition and properly advise you on possible solutions.

What Causes Presbyopia

Here is a breakdown of the process:

• 1Your cornea bends light as it enters the eye.
• 2The tiny, circular muscle surrounding the lens contracts or relaxes, changing its shape to bring objects into focus.
• 3When light enters the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of your eye translates light into electrical signals.
• 4Subsequently, your optic nerve transmits these signals to the brain, enabling you to see the image.

During childhood through to early adulthood, your eyes’ lenses are soft and flexible, allowing them to easily change shape to enable light to land on your retina so that you can see objects clearly, whether they are near or far.

However, as your lenses continue to grow and age, new layers of cells form, thickening your lenses and making them less flexible. As a result, your eyes start having trouble focusing light as they should, causing your close-up vision to become blurry.

What Are The Treatment Options For Presbyopia?

Depending on your preferences, lifestyle, and health, an eye care practitioner may recommend the following treatment methods to correct presbyopia:

• Option #1Eyeglasses

  

  Those struggling with contact lenses can consider a comfortable pair of eyeglasses instead. However, it is a good idea to consult an eye specialist about the magnification power you require to ensure optimal vision clarity and comfort, making reading easier and preventing unnecessary stress and strain on your eyes.

  Alternatively, consider getting a pair of spectacles with progressive lenses. They are basically multifocal lenses but with a more gradual shift between prescriptions. In fact, they are ideal for those who don’t want a visible line on their glasses. The best thing about progressives lenses is that you only require one pair of glasses whether you need to see near or far. Progressive lenses are usually recommended for individuals 40 years of age or older who have difficulty seeing both near and far or those experiencing discomfort due to blurry vision when looking afar with their reading glasses.

  At OWNDAYS, we have various types of progressives lenses - Enhanced, Prestige, Prestige Gold, and Prestige Platinum - suited for different reading needs. The price of our progressive glasses (frame and lens) starts from S$198. Head down to our stores today and speak with our eye care practitioners to learn which is suitable for you.

  Introduction

  

  OWNDAYS PROGRESSIVE GLASSES
  One pair of glasses to see far, intermediate and reading zones

  More details

• Option #2Contact Lenses

  

  Contact lenses are the alternative to eyeglasses for many wanting to correct vision-related issues, like presbyopia, as they are convenient and hassle-free. To correct presbyopia, most turn to bifocal or multifocal contact lenses to help them see comfortably.

  While both lenses are similar, and people often use both terms interchangeably, there is a slight difference. Bifocal contact lenses provide two focal points (near and far). Meanwhile, multifocal contact lenses can include more than two focal points, including an in-between zone of around three feet. Both options come in soft or gas-permeable versions.

  See OWNDAYS Contact Lenses

• Option #3Surgery

  

  Those seeking a permanent solution to correct their vision can opt for refractive surgery to change the shape of their cornea and improve close-up vision in the nondominant eye. However, you may still need eyeglasses for close-up work after surgery. It is advisable to consult an eye doctor about the possible side effects before undergoing treatment.

  Regardless of whether you have exhibited symptoms of presbyopia, we recommend having your eyes and vision checked regularly to ensure prompt detection of age-related vision changes. Safeguarding your eye health, especially after age 40, is essential in minimising the effects of presbyopia.

Book Free Eye Test

At OWNDAYS, we offer complimentary eye tests across our various stores islandwide to help you determine the appropriate prescriptions for your corrective eyewear. Enjoy a hassle-free experience when booking your free eye test online and skip the queue today!