Eye Doctor in East Rutherford
Many people are surprised when they suddenly find themselves holding reading material farther away to see clearly. Words that were once easy to read may start to appear blurry, especially in dim lighting.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. This change is usually caused by a very common condition called presbyopia.
Presbyopia typically begins to develop sometime after the age of 40. It occurs because the natural lens inside the eye gradually becomes less flexible over time.
When we are younger, the lens easily changes shape to focus on objects at different distances. This flexibility allows us to quickly shift our focus from far away to close up.
As we age, the lens slowly loses some of this flexibility. As a result, the eyes have more difficulty focusing on nearby objects such as books, smartphones, menus, or small print.
Common signs of presbyopia include:
- holding reading material farther away
- difficulty reading small print
- eye strain when reading
- headaches after close work
- needing brighter lighting to read comfortably
Although this change can feel sudden, it is actually a normal part of the aging process and happens to nearly everyone.
Fortunately, there are several ways to improve near vision.
Some people choose reading glasses for occasional use. Others prefer progressive lenses, which allow clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near without visible lines in the lenses.
There are also multifocal contact lenses that can help people see clearly at multiple distances without wearing glasses.
During a comprehensive exam, an eye doctor in East Rutherford can determine whether presbyopia is the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best solution for your visual needs.
Many patients are surprised at how much more comfortable reading becomes once the correct prescription is used.
Dr. Fruchtman’s Tip:
If you find yourself increasing the font size on your phone or holding reading material farther away, it may be time for an eye exam.
If you are experiencing changes in your near vision, Dr. William Fruchtman provides comprehensive eye exams in East Rutherford and can help determine whether reading glasses, progressive lenses, or contact lenses may improve your visual comfort.
Protecting your vision and maintaining clear eyesight is an important part of staying active and independent as we age.