Presbyopia in Greenbelt & Bowie, MD

Once a person reaches the age of 40, their near vision typically begins to get worse. This condition is called presbyopia, and it is a very natural, very common part of the aging process. It happens because as we age, our eyes simply start to become less flexible. Even if you have always had wonderfully clear vision, you may start to notice that you have to hold books or your phone farther away from your eyes to read them. You may also start to get headaches or eyestrain from activities that did not previously bother you.

If you suspect that you are developing presbyopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam so we can get you back to your clearest vision. To best serve our patients, Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons has locations in Greenbelt and Bowie, MD.

Around and after the age of 40, people usually start to realize that focusing on items, words, or images near the eyes is not as easy as it used to be. A telltale sign of presbyopia is the need to hold items farther and farther away to be able to see or read them. Another sign is developing headaches or aching eyes after certain activities, such as reading or using a computer, that previously did not cause them. Finally, you could be developing presbyopia if you have started to feel like your usual lighting is no longer bright enough to read by.

Presbyopia typically starts to develop around the age of 40, and if not treated properly, its symptoms can become worse.

Though the majority of refractive visual impairment conditions are caused by abnormal eye shape, presbyopia is related to proteins and muscles in the eye. Once a person reaches 40 years of age, the proteins within the lens of the eye begin to get thicker and less malleable. Further, the muscles around the lens become weaker and less flexible. This means it is much more difficult for the lens to focus because it needs flexibility to expand and contract. As we age, our eyes continue to lose flexibility so presbyopia progresses over time.

At Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we can help you manage your presbyopia with prescription glasses with progressive or bifocal lenses.

Progressive lenses are indistinguishable from typical lenses; however, they work to correct vision impairment at many distances simultaneously.

Bifocal lenses are usually designed with a defined section near the bottom that helps with close-up activities, like reading.

Bifocals and progressive lenses are both great for patients who have two or more refractive problems. Reading glasses, which some people call "readers" or "cheaters," is also a simple solution for those who use their near vision less frequently.

A worsening of the near vision, particularly after the age of 40, is almost always simple presbyopia. Presbyopia is very common and very manageable with prescription lenses. At Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our amazing team of optometrists can help you get back to your daily activities without the frustration of poor near vision. Contact us today at our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office for your comprehensive eye exam.