Presbyopia

Vision problems are common for may start in childhood. For most that wear glasses or contacts, it is due to either myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness.) Nearsightedness is more common, but vision typically evens out by around age 20, at least for a while. However, after the age of 40, there is a whole new "opia" to contend with, presbyopia. Our team at Wilkins' Opticians in Spartanburg is here to help patients suffering from presbyopia.

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What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that usually shows up in a person's early 40s and often affects those with a history of nearsightedness. However, presbyopia can occur on its own without myopia as well. With presbyopia, farsighted symptoms begin to creep into a person's life, but differently than hyperopia. 

Presbyopia happens because the lens portion of the eye starts to stiffen over time. It makes it harder to see things close up and do close work, such as reading small print and doing crafts like sewing. Hyperopia happens due to your actual eyeball shape, which is too short, or because you have flat corneas. Both of these conditions lead to non-age-related farsightedness.

Correcting Presbyopia

For some, presbyopia needs to be addressed soon after their 40th birthday, and others may still be able to see adequately until their mid-forties. If you have a history of nearsightedness, our Wilkins' Opticians will likely prescribe some type of bifocal or multifocal lenses to help you see both close-up and far away. If you have presbyopia alone, reading glasses are probably all you need. However, an eye exam is recommended to determine how strong your readers need to be. Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal and trifocal lenses.

Contact lenses can also be an option for some people with presbyopia, but not in the traditional way. Some people try having one eye corrected for their nearsightedness and the other for their presbyopia. This is called monovision and takes getting used to as your brain adjusts to your eyes seeing the world in a new way. With different zones on the contact itself, multifocal contacts are an option too.

Contact Us for Eye Care in Spartanburg, SC

Presbyopia seems to be inevitable for most people, one way or another. If you are discovering that it is harder and harder to see what is close to you, your eyes might not be as flexible as they once were. At Wilkins' Opticians, we can talk to you about your lifestyle as it applies to your vision needs and can help you choose your best way to correct your vision at all distances. To learn more or schedule an eye exam, contact us at Wilkins' Opticians in Spartanburg by calling 864-585-2249.