About Us    Contact Us    Careers    Site Map    Search

Health Care Services    Hospitals & Facilities    Health Information    Find a Doctor    Why Choose Baptist
 
Presbyopia
 


Presbyopia is the loss of clear close-up vision that occurs naturally as people get older.

How does it occur?
Around the age of 40, the lenses of your eyes begin to lose elasticity and flexibility. You may find that you are unable to focus sharply on close objects. You may need to hold things farther away from your eyes to see them clearly.

What are the symptoms?
Presbyopia develops gradually. At first you may have blurred vision when you read or do close-up tasks such as threading a needle. Later you may not be able to read normal newsprint or book print without reading glasses or a magnifying glass and good lighting.

How is it diagnosed?
Your eye doctor can verify your condition during a regular visit.

How is it treated?
There is no treatment that can make your lenses flexible again. However, reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses (no lines), and possibly contact lenses can help you see close-up objects. Recently, refractive surgery has also been used to correct presbyopia. Discuss these options with your eye doctor.

How long will the effects last?
Presbyopia is a permanent change that tends to worsen very gradually over time.

What can be done to help prevent presbyopia?
There is no known prevention, however you can help protect your eyes and vision. Have your eyes checked regularly and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you notice any changes with your eyes.

Reviewed and approved by the Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD. Web site: http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu




Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File eye4229.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


Top of Page



Baptist Online
Read the latest articles about a variety of health subjects, with many practical tips to help you take control of your health.
More

See Information Related to This Topic
Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist
©2010 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices.
Baptist Memorial Hospital In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ — healing, preaching and teaching — Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation is committed to providing quality health care.