Presbyopia in The Villages, FL

What is presbyopia?

Inside your eye, a clear lens changes shape so you can focus on near things. With age, that lens becomes less flexible. The result is presbyopia, a refractive error that makes it hard to see things up close.

It happens to everyone, usually starting after about age 45.

Many people first notice it in dim light or at the end of a long day, when the lens has the hardest time keeping up. It is not a disease, and it does not mean your eyes are unhealthy.

Symptoms

You may have blurry vision when you read or use a phone. You may also hold books, menus or screens farther away to see them. Tired or sore eyes after close work are common, and so are headaches during reading.

Who is at risk?

Presbyopia is part of normal aging, so nearly everyone develops it. People who already wear glasses for distance often notice they need a separate or added power for reading.

It gets worse slowly, then usually stops getting worse after about age 65. Because of that, an update to your lenses every year or two is common while it changes. We also check eye health at the same visit.

What a presbyopia visit looks like

When you come in for Presbyopia in The Villages, first tell us what gets hard. For example, mention menus, your phone, a puzzle or the golf scorecard. Then our team checks how well you see at distance and up close. Next, Dr. Russell measures the lens power that makes near vision comfortable. He also checks your eye health, so the visit covers more than reading.

The exam is simple and painless. If you get dilating drops, your near vision may be blurry for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and ask someone to drive you home.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether over-the-counter readers suit your eyes. You can also ask whether bifocals, trifocals or progressives fit your day better. In addition, ask how often to return while your near vision keeps changing. Then ask about computer distance, because many people read a screen at a different range than a book.

What helps

Early on, larger print, brighter light and holding things farther away can help. Over time most people use corrective lenses:

• Reading glasses (prescription or over-the-counter)
• Bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses
• Contact lenses made for near and distance vision

Your prescription may change as the years go by, so regular exams matter.

A sudden change in vision is not presbyopia. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Help With Presbyopia in The Villages

Our care for presbyopia in The Villages fits the way you live. Dr. Russell checks your near and distance vision and talks through lens choices for reading, golf, computer or driving. Our opticians fit single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses, including Transitions® lenses, and our on-site lab makes many glasses in about an hour. Your prescription is yours, and you are free to buy glasses or contacts anywhere.

Call (352) 399-5412 or request an appointment at 2478 Burnsed Blvd.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

At what age does presbyopia start?

Most people notice it after about age 45, though the timing varies from person to person.

Can reading glasses from a store be enough?

Over-the-counter readers are an option for some people. An exam can tell you whether they suit your eyes or whether a custom prescription would be more comfortable.

Does presbyopia go away?

No. It is a normal part of aging, but glasses or contacts can make close work comfortable again.