Presbyopia in Nashville, TN

Once a man or woman reaches 40 years of age, their close-up vision typically starts to decline. This change in vision is known as presbyopia, and it impairs the ability to see things that are near the eyes. While nobody looks forward to vision loss, this is a perfectly normal part of the aging process. As we age, the lenses in our eyes start to become less flexible. Nearly everyone, even people who have enjoyed perfect vision throughout life, can start to discover that they have to hold food packaging or other items farther away to read them clearly. Many also develop headaches or eye strain from tasks that never gave them issues before. At our esteemed Nashville, TN office, our skilled team of eye professionals can talk to you about some great options to enhance your vision if you are experiencing age-related vision problems. If you feel you might be developing presbyopia, schedule a visit to Wang Vision Institute so we can restore your sharpest vision.

Men and women who have begun to develop presbyopia will typically first notice that they aren't able to focus on objects that are nearby as well as before. A familiar sign of presbyopia is noticing that you need to hold objects farther and farther away to be able to see them. Another notable symptom is getting headaches or aching eyes after near-vision-intensive tasks, such as sewing or using a computer, that never used to cause them. Also rather common is the mistaken belief that the blurred vision is caused by bad lighting. Presbyopia generally starts to develop at roughly the age of 40, and if neglected, its symptoms can become more pronounced.

Although most types of refractive visual conditions are caused by shortened or lengthened eye shape, age-related vision impairment is not. The proteins that help make up the eye's lens are impacted by age, especially after a person is 40 years of age, leading the lens to harden and lose elasticity. Age also affects the muscle fibers encircling the lens. These fibers eventually grow weaker and less malleable. This means it is more challenging for the lens to change shape, which it has to do in order to focus. Both of these changes within the lens progress naturally as we age, meaning presbyopia eventually becomes more advanced the older we get.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam will help to diagnose presbyopia.  Dilation will allow a doctor to closely examine the inside of your eyes, see how well your lenses are working and determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Most patients control age-related vision impairment using eyeglasses with specially made lenses. Out of these special lenses, progressive and bifocal lenses are the kinds used most often. Progressive lenses are basically multifocal lenses but look just like regular lenses since they don't have obvious lines. Progressive lenses can allow you to see at several distances. Bifocal lenses have a line close to the bottom half that demarcates the area used for short-range vision. Each of these lenses can also be great choices if you have one or more refractive vision impairments in addition to presbyopia. Many individuals with presbyopia prefer to just use reading glasses (often called readers) and remove them when they aren't using them for up-close activities.

There are a few surgical procedures that can possibly be useful in reducing the impact of presbyopia. Our skilled optometrists will be able to determine whether you could be a candidate for specific surgical treatments.

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision issue that can make everyday tasks challenging. At Wang Vision Institute, our team offers effective solutions to help you manage this condition and restore your clear vision. Don’t let presbyopia slow you down—schedule an appointment today to explore your treatment options. Take control of your vision and improve your quality of life with professional care.

Can diet or supplements reverse presbyopia?

A diet rich in Vitamin C, E, Zinc, and essential fatty acids can support your overall eye health. However, no diet or supplement can prevent or treat presbyopia. While our eye care team at Wang Vision Institute can make recommendations about positive lifestyle changes, the only way to regain clear vision with presbyopia is with corrective lenses or laser surgery.

How common is presbyopia?

The short answer? Very common. Some studies estimate that presbyopia affects millions of men and women across the U.S. Many people begin to experience presbyopia symptoms as soon as they enter their 40s and 50s. This may be due to factors like genetics. Others don't experience blurry vision until later in life.

Is there a cure for presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition in which it gets harder and harder for people to focus on close-up objects. There is no cure for presbyopia, but it can be treated. Most people who seek treatment at Wang Vision Institute are happy with their results and can see well at all distances.