Today, you might not need to wear reading glasses. However, that does not mean you won’t need to wear them in the future. Many people who have had perfect 20/20 vision as children and as young adults may eventually need reading glasses, and here is why.
What is Presbyopia?
As you age, parts of your body like your joints become less flexible. The same is true for your eyes as the lens also become less flexible. This could make it more difficult for you to focus from far to near as you move into your 40s. With reduced flexibility, eventually, your close vision will continue to deteriorate. This is a common condition called presbyopia that usually leads to the need for reading glasses. A study published in the Community Eye Health Journal concluded that 62 percent of adults over the age of 40 have presbyopia and the percentage continues to increase with age.
Signs You Might Need Reading Glasses
You might not notice the signs of presbyopia right away. But eventually you might notice that you are having more difficulty as:
- You begin to hold books or even your cell phone further away to be able to read clearly because otherwise, they look blurry when at a normal distance.
- It becomes more difficult to read small print in dim light.
- You begin to have frequent headaches when reading.
- Close work, such as sewing or reading makes your eyes hurt or water.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Even if you do not currently wear glasses, a yearly eye exam is important for identifying whether you need reading glasses. If it is determined you do need glasses for reading and other close activities, you may need to move to a stronger prescription every year or so. But most importantly, your optometrist can keep track of your eye health and watch for any other age-related conditions before they become problematic.
Take control of your eye health and schedule your eye exam with Valley Eyecare Center today.
