Vision Source Mandan Blog

You have presbyopia. Now what?

Do you find yourself squinting to read your computer screen, or struggling to read your smartphone, menus, magazines or labels?

If you do, and you’re over 40, chances are you have presbyopia.

Presbyopia Signs And Symptoms

Presbyopia is the normal change that occurs as your eye ages because the lens stiffens and loses flexibility, making it harder to focus up close. It usually occurs at or around the age of 40. Everyone gets it to some degree, even those who’ve never had vision problems before. 

When you develop presbyopia, your eyes are less able to focus on things up close, making it harder to read fine print — especially in lowlight situations. Even if you can see fairly well up-close, presbyopia can cause eye strain, headaches, and visual fatigue if not corrected.

The term comes from the Greek words “presbys” and “opys,” which mean “old man” and “sight”. It was mentioned as far back as the 4th century BC in Aristotle’s writings.

Today more than 111 million American adults have presbyopia, and that number is estimated to grow to 123 million by 2020 as the population ages.

There is no way to stop or reverse this normal aging process of the eye, but the good news is it is easily diagnosed through a routine eye exam and easily corrected.

Yes, You Can Wear Contact Lenses

Wearing reading glasses or bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses used to be the only options. But today, you can opt for surgery, or multifocal contact lens, such as Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® For Presbyopia contact lenses.

Multifocal contact lenses offer the best of both worlds: no glasses, along with good near and distance vision. And advances in lens design and materials make multifocal contact lenses ideal for today’s presbyopic population, which is more active than ever.

You're probably much more active than your parents were at your age. Biking, jogging, exercising and playing sports are just a few of the activities that today's over-40 set routinely enjoy, so it’s no surprise many people over 40 prefer contact lenses over glasses for their active lifestyles.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, stop pushing your menu to arm's-length to read it, and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

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I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

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