Vision after 40

Symptoms

• Reading is blurred

• Eye strain/headache

• Avoiding close work

• Holding reading materials at a distance

Diagram of an eye

Presbyopia is...A lack of flexibility of the lens inside the

eye and

the muscles controlling it

Presbyopia is caused by...• Age• Almost everyone needs reading

glasses at some stage

Treatment

• Reading glasses

• Multifocals

• Bifocals

• Contact lenses

Facts about glasses• Glasses will not

make your eyes weaker

• Glasses will need to be updated every couple of years

Regular eye checks• Up to date prescription for glasses• Check for ageing conditions of eyes

– Glaucoma – Cataract– Age-related macular degeneration

Normal retina

Glaucoma• Disease of optic

nerve• Causes loss of

peripheral vision• Pressure inside

eye may be elevated

• Treatment best when early

Cataract• Clouding of lens

inside eye• Usually gradual

loss of vision• Very common

after age 60• Treatment may

include surgery

Age-related macular degeneration• Deterioration of

central retina• Affects close

vision• Distorted vision,

patches missing• Some treatment

is available

Other health conditions that can affect the eyes

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

Presbyopia can be present along with

• Short-sightedness• Long sightedness• Astigmatism

Normal focus

Short sightedness (Myopia)Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok

Short sighted focus Short sighted correction

Long sightedness (Hyperopia)Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close

Long sighted focus Long sighted correction

Astigmatism• The front of the eye is shaped more

like a football than a basketball• Focusing error that causes blur in one

direction

Regular eye examinations are essential after 40

• No referral is required

• Eye examinations attract a Medicare

rebate

• Find your local optometrist at

www.optometrists.asn.au

Optometrists• Provide a comprehensive visual

examination

• Detect and diagnose eye health

problems

• Prescribe and supply glasses and

contact lenses when required

• Diagnose and treat eye coordination

and focusing problems