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My Arms Aren’t
Long Enough Anymore
One thing we can be sure of, our eyes and vision will change
as we age. Starting at about age forty, for example, we all
experience presbyopia. Presbyopia is the reduced ability of
the lens to focus, and is due to lost flexibility in the lens.
One symptom of this normal (although frustrating) change is
needing to hold the newspaper farther and farther way, to
be able to read it – leading to the "my arms aren’t
long enough anymore" comment. Presbyopia normally continues
to progress until age sixty-five or seventy. It creates the
need for progressively stronger reading glasses at regular
intervals.
Self-Prescribing
People often "self-prescribe" and purchase progressively
stronger generic or "drug store" reading glasses
as their vision changes. This approach is potentially dangerous
because:
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Generic
reading glasses have identical lens strength in both eyes,
but visual sharpness generally differs between a person’s
eyes. |
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The
person may overlook a potentially more serious eye problem. |
Regular Eye
Exams
Once presbyopia begins, it becomes particularly important
that we have our eyes checked regularly and thoroughly by
a qualified vision specialist. With these check-ups, we can
deal better with normal changes in our eyes, and we can catch
the beginning of aging-related eye disorders.
In a thorough check-up, you’ll discuss your general
health and history, and any eye or vision problems you are
having. You should also discuss your lifestyle and how you
use your eyes. With complete information, your vision specialist
will be able to do the best job meeting your needs and making
things easier for your eyes. As examples,
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If
you let your specialist know that you spend lots of time
outdoors, your specialist can prescribe coatings for your
glasses that reduce glare or make transitions from sunshine
to shade easier on your eyes. |
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If
you spend a lot of time reading, or at your computer,
you can take an accurate measurement of the normal distance
from your eyes to the reading material or computer screen.
By sharing that information, the specialist will be able
to fit your prescription to optimize those activities. |
Bi-Focals, Tri-Focals,
Progressives
When working or driving, bi-focals can help coordinate both
near and far vision. As our eyes age, however, the difference
between our "near" vision and our "far"
vision increases. This creates blurred vision in the in-between,
or "mid-range" area. Tri-focals offer a smooth visual
transition from near to far vision, making your vision clear
and comfortable, and your eyeglasses more efficient. Progressive
lenses perform the same function as tri-focals, and many people
find them more cosmetically pleasing.
Adjusting to
New Glasses
Normally, one week’s time should be adequate for the
eyes to feel comfortable with new glasses or a new prescription.
If discomfort continues beyond this time, re-visit your vision
specialist for corrections.
Making It Easier
for Your Eyes
Frequent, repeated dilating and constricting of the eyes
due to shifting from bright light to dim light (or vice
versa) is a significant stresser for our eyes. To minimize
these "high-contrast" eye-stressers,
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When
watching television or working at the computer, keep the
area around the viewing screen dimly lit. |
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When
reading, make sure the light is directly on your reading
material, and have moderate surrounding lighting. |
Summing
Up
Your eyes and vision are important assets. Preserve and protect
them:
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Acknowledge
that they’ll change as you age. |
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Make
it easier for your eyes. |
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Don’t
self-prescribe. |
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Make
regular, thorough eye exams part of your plan to live
better, longer. |
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Special Thanks
We thank Dr. Melvin Schrier, O.D. (retired optometrist)
for helping us prepare this article.
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