August is Senior Eye Health Month. With age, your eyes will naturally change and eventually get worse. For many older adults, this can include needing reading glasses. In this article, we will explore why eyesight often deteriorates with age, particularly when viewing close-up objects or text.
Developing Presbyopia with Age
Presbyopia is a term for the gradual loss in your ability to focus your eyes on nearby objects. Humans have flexible lenses in their eyes. When you look at objects around you, your eyes flex these lenses to change the focal length of your vision. This is how people can view objects at different distances.
Starting at around age 40, the lenses become less flexible, to a noticeable degree. In most people, the difference will be significant by age 65. As you age, you may notice small changes that can indicate you are struggling with this close-up focus. This may include holding a menu at a restaurant a bit further away to read it, squinting at a book, or zooming into images on your phone.
OTC Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are a quick and cost-effective way to combat your presbyopia. You can find reading glasses online, at an eyeglass store, or at most pharmacy retailers. Reading glasses will generally have a magnification rating. These will normally range from +0.50 to +5.00. The higher the number, the stronger the magnification. Higher numbers may be harder to find without going to a specialist. If you are unsure of what size you should choose, consider bringing a book to the store with you or talking to your eye doctor.
Prescription Reading Glasses
If you want specialized reading glasses, you may want to seek out a prescription set. This may be for a variety of reasons. If you already have glasses for being near-sighted, you can ask your eye doctor about bi- or tri-focal lenses. Some people find that one eye is better than the other at focusing close up. If this is the case for you, you may need a different magnification in each lens. Most OTC reading glasses will not have that option available.
Corrective Vision Procedures
Corrective vision procedures can often be done for both far-sighted and near-sighted individuals. Some treatments can improve both issues together. Common treatments can include corneal inlays, lens implants, laser vision correction, or keratoplasty. For more information on corrective procedures, consult your eye doctor.
Home Assistance with Degrading Vision
With age, your vision is likely to degrade. It can be important to ensure that you can still operate safely in your home despite your worsening eyesight. If your vision is impairing your ability to live comfortably in your home, you may want to consider hiring some in-home help. A home health aide can assist you with meal preparation, home care, medication schedules, and more. This assistance can make a difference in keeping your independence as you age.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
