What is presbyopia?
Boots Opticians
Opticians
Reading time: 2 minutes
Posted in Eye health & conditions
Last updated 16/08/2022
Experiencing ‘long-arm syndrome’? It could be presbyopia. If it is, let’s help you read clearly
Find yourself ‘long-arming’ when you’re scrolling Facebook or reading the menu? Chances are you’ve got presbyopia. But don’t panic – presbyopia is just a natural part of ageing and something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Thankfully, it can be easily managed – it’s just a case of finding what works best for you.
Signs of presbyopia
It’s pretty easy to recognise the signs of presbyopia. If you’ve got it, things may get blurry at normal reading distance and you’ll find yourself stretching your arm out to read things like text messages or the Sunday paper. You may also get eye strain or headaches, but remember, it’s totally natural and nothing to worry about.
What causes presbyopia?
The flexible lens at the front of your eye allows you to see clearly both up close and far away. As you hit your 40s, this lens naturally starts to lose its flexibility, which affects your ability to focus – frustrating!
Solutions for Presbyopia
There’s no way to stop or reverse presbyopia – that’s the bad news. The good news is that you can help correct it. Yay!
After an eye test, your optician may suggest you consider:
Reading glasses
For lots of people, a pair of prescription reading glasses will help make light work of close work. And lucky for you, there’s a style to suit every face shape and outfit at Boots Opticians.
Varifocal lenses
If you already have glasses, varifocal lenses could be your new best friend – these combine close, midrange and distance prescriptions into one pair of glasses. We all love a fresh set of frames, so why not take this as a chance to upgrade your optical wardrobe?
Multifocal contact lenses
Unlike varifocal glasses (where you have to move your head to look through the different prescriptions in your glasses), with multifocal contact lenses the prescriptions are all in front of your pupil. Smart, right?
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to remember that presbyopia will change over time. That’s how presbyopia works, just make sure you keep up-to-date with your eye tests so your prescription is always as accurate as possible.
Book an eye test
Think you’ve got presbyopia? Help wave goodbye to ‘long-arm syndrome’ and book your eye test online today or by calling 0345 125 3752*. What are you waiting for?
* Local call rates apply. Mobile charges may vary
