Focus on Eyes: Have you turned 40 and can't see up close any more? It's likely Presbyopia
Q: What is Presbyopia?
A: Presbyopia occurs when the eyes have difficulty seeing close up. This is a normal aging process that presents gradually after age 40.
The natural lens inside the eye has the ability to focus on objects from different distances by changing its shape.
When we are young, the lens is soft and flexible so it can modulate the focal points that allow us to see things clearly near and far.
After age 40, the lens becomes more rigid and harder to alter its shape to focus clearly close up.
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Presbyopia makes it difficult to read or perform near tasks that require fine details.
Initially, some people try to holds things further away to see. Gradually they notice their arms are not long enough.
Most people with good distance vision can use the over-the-counter readers to magnify things so they can read.
For people who already wear glasses to see distance vision, the near correction can be easily incorporated into their glasses as visible bifocals or seamless progressive add lenses.
Contact lens wearers have the options of using bifocal contact lenses or monovision contact lenses. Monovision contact lenses correct one eye for distance vision and the other for reading.
People who have excellent vision all their lives may find reading glasses or contact lenses annoying.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a new eye drop Vuity, which is 1.25% Pilocarpine, last October.
It works by constricting the pupils to increase the depth of field.
The recommended dosage is one drop each eye once daily. The effects can last 5-6 hours.
Most of the benefit is observed in the first three hours about 10-15 minutes after application. The results are variable in different people.
Some do not notice any improvement of their near vision. Some report they work all day at the computer without their reading glasses.
A typical work day is longer than 6 hours so many people reapply the Vuity eye drops, although FDA only approves it for use once daily.
The most common side effect associated with Vuity is headache. Most headaches are usually transient and not noticeable after about one or two weeks.
People who are headache prone are more likely to experience headache with Vuity and some have to stop using it completely. Other side effects include red eye and tearing. They usually happen with initial use and go away quickly.
Vuity can reduce peripheral vision and rarely decreases distance vision. It is prudent to avoid driving or operating machinery with these visual symptoms and consult your doctor.
The most serious complications with Vuity are retinal tears and retinal detachment.
The Pilocarpine in Vuity constricts that pupil, which may cause traction on the retina resulting in retinal tears and progressing to retinal detachment. It is important to seek immediate attention if there are new floaters, flashes or visual change.
A complete eye examination including a dilated retina examination should be performed prior to the use of Vuity.
Presbyopia is a condition that we all experience after age 40 and there are newer treatments in the horizon.
We expect much excitement and growth in the coming years.
Dr. Frederick Ho, the medical director of Atlantic Eye MD and Atlantic Surgery and Laser Center, is a board certified ophthalmologist. Atlantic Eye MD is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272. To learn more visit AtlanticEyeMD.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Presbyopia occurs when the eyes have difficulty seeing close up
