Most people are aware that age will change their body in any number of ways. We get wrinkles. Our joints start to ache. For many of us, age will affect our eyesight. One of the most common age-related problems that we see is presbyopia. This vision problem is not an eye disease like cataracts or glaucoma. It does not threaten to cause vision loss. It can, however, create frustration at the need to wear eyeglasses for reading or performing other tasks.
Presbyopia is a problem in the lens of the eye. Vision forms when light passes through a ball-shaped front surface that includes the lens and the cornea. From here, rays of light can pass through to the retina. When presbyopia occurs, the lens of the eye cannot flex and adjust as it once did. This is because the fibers of the lens have become stiffened over time. Without flexibility, the lens alters the way that light passes through the eye, leading to blurriness.
Can Presbyopia be Prevented
At this time, presbyopia is still considered an age-related problem. This might sound like bad news but it may also offer a bit of hope. We cannot stop the aging process but we can instill good habits as early as possible to increase our odds of aging well. According to studies, certain strategies do support long-term eye health. These include:
- Do not smoke.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes leafy greens.
- Drink green tea, which is filled with antioxidants and flavonoids that are especially significant to eye health.
- Take vitamins. Especially if you have risks for eye problems or are experiencing the onset of age-related farsightedness, vitamins are a necessity. Some formulations contain a combination of vitamins and minerals that support the strength and flexibility of the eyes.
Presbyopia and LASIK
Many people as us if LASIK might help them reduce or eliminate their need for eyeglasses. This might be possible, except when presbyopia is the cause. The reason why LASIK does not correct presbyopia is that this condition occurs in the lens of the eye. LASIK only addresses the cornea. There is hope for presbyopia correction, though. As is performed with patients who have cataracts, a lens exchange can be conducted to replace an inflexible lens with an appropriate IOL, or synthetic lens.
Learn more about your eyes’ needs and how we can help you see better. Schedule a consultation and exam in our Canfield, Alliance, or North Canton office.