Top 10 Presbyopia Questions Answered by Our Experts

Our Vision Experts Answer 10 of Your Questions About Presbyopia

If you start to notice changes in your vision, its normal to have questions! The team at Presbyopia Life includes experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists, and throughout their careers they answered a wide range of patient questions. Now these specialists are sharing their knowledge to answer some frequently asked questions from patients with common presbyopia concerns.

1. I am having trouble reading restaurant menus, seeing prescription bottles, and even clipping my children’s fingernails – what happened to me?
You should check in with your eye doctor any time you experience a change in vision, but if you are over the age of 40, there is a good chance that diminished near vision is a result of presbyopia. This type of near vision loss is age-related, but it can affect people as early as their late-30’s and is not an indication of being elderly! Trusted Source Presbyopia The College of Optometrists Go to Source ¹
Read our introduction to presbyopia to learn more about this condition.

2. Things in the dark are getting harder to see, what can I do?
Once you reach your 40’s, it is normal to need more light in order to see well and adding brighter lights to work spaces or reading areas can help. Trusted Source Adult Vision American Optometric Association Go to Source ² If presbyopia is causing glare and difficulty driving at night, progressive lenses may improve night vision. Trusted Source Blinded By the Night U.S. News & World Report Go to Source ³ However, some patients are not able to get used to progressive lenses and others experience distortions in distance vision. Trusted Source What Are Progressive Lenses, and Are They Right for You? Healthline Go to Source ⁴

3. I bought so many pairs of readers and can never find them, should I have LASIK?
LASIK for presbyopia is a complex topic because the standard laser vision correction surgery that someone without presbyopia would have is not the same type of procedure that would be used to treat age-related near vision loss. Currently, the most popular surgical treatment for presbyopia is a type of LASIK called Monovision, but not everyone is a candidate and side effects can include blurred distance vision. Trusted Source Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses Geffen D. Presbyopia: The State of Surgical Correction Go to Source ⁵

4. I had LASIK 10 years ago, but lately I cannot see well close up. Do I need to repeat LASIK?
When you had LASIK laser eye surgery, your corneas were permanently altered and LASIK does not “wear off”. However, it is common for people who had LASIK earlier in life to develop the need for reading glasses in their 40’s. LASIK does not prevent presbyopia from developing (but it also does not make presbyopia happen earlier or more severely.) Trusted Source Ask The Doctor: How Long Does LASIK Last? American Refractive Surgery Council Go to Source ⁶

5. I have to make the computer font bigger and bigger. Do I have options besides reading glasses?
The first thing you should know is that extended screen time can cause dry eyes and Digital Eye Strain, so read these tips if you spend a lot of time in front of the computer. Any alternatives to reading glasses will require a trip to your eye doctor. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can discuss with you if you may be a candidate for any surgical procedures to treat presbyopia.

6. Can I do eye exercises to improve my near vision?
No, but this is a common presbyopia myth! Even though exercise can improve function for many parts of your body, this is one area where no amount of “working out” will help. There are no eye exercises to prevent, correct, or reverse presbyopia. Trusted Source The lowdown on eye exercises. Harvard Health Publishing Go to Source ⁷

7. Can diet or supplements prevent or reverse presbyopia?
A diet rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Essential Fatty Acids can support overall eye health and may have a positive effect on vision long term. Trusted Source Diet and Nutrition American Optometric Association Go to Source ⁸ However, everyone will eventually develop presbyopia and no diet or supplement can prevent it. Trusted Source Presbyopia, What is it? Harvard Health Publishing Go to Source ⁹

8. I have never had to wear glasses and I don’t want to start now. I just want to see close up like before, any solution?
If you have been diagnosed with presbyopia, reading glasses are typically the first recommended treatment. Trusted Source Presbyopia, What is it? Harvard Health Publishing Go to Source ⁹ However, there are many people like you who are not interested in readers and would like a different solution. People who have always worn contact lenses for other refractive errors may try monovision contacts – but what about people who didn’t have any vision issues before presbyopia? Vision experts are still working to find a presbyopia solution that does not sacrifice distance vision, and there is promising technology on the horizon. Trusted Source Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses Geffen D. Presbyopia: The State of Surgical Correction Go to Source ⁵ Talk to an eye doctor who is committed to offering advanced treatments about what your options may be.

9. I cannot read my Kindle anymore, do I have to wear glasses all the time?
If you never needed glasses before presbyopia, then you probably won’t need glasses for distance vision now – meaning that you’ll only need them for reading and other close-up tasks. If the on-off-on-off pattern of using glasses just for reading becomes a hassle for you, talk to your eye doctor about other options that may be right for you.

10. If my near vision is steadily getting worse, will I eventually go blind?
Presbyopia affects near vision (reading vision) and may have other side effects such as headaches or difficulty seeing in low light. Trusted Source Presbyopia, What is it? Harvard Health Publishing Go to Source ⁹ Presbyopia can interfere with your vision and your daily routine, but it will not cause blindness. However, there are other age-related eye conditions and some that can cause permanent loss of vision if left untreated – that is why it is very important to have a comprehensive annual eye exam after 40. Trusted Source Recommended Eye Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients and Adults. American Optometric Association Go to Source ¹⁰

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