Updated: 10/17/23
Are you starting to feel like your reading glasses are a permanent addition to your face? Are you yearning for that crisp, clear vision without having to search for your specs every morning? If you are ever feeling frustrated with the gradual decrease of close-up vision being experienced due to something known as presbyopia, then worry not! At our store we have some innovative supplements, specifically developed and specially blended, that can help reinvigorate near-focus capability. Read on if you want learn more about the revolutionary work we’re doing in the world of presbyopia and how it could benefit you today.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a type of vision change that typically occurs around middle age. Simply put, it’s a condition in which your eyes struggle to focus on objects that are close up. This can make it difficult to read, work on a computer, or do other activities that require you to see things up close. Like many aspects of aging, presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process. It’s caused by changes within your eyes that affect how they focus.
One of the key factors in presbyopia is the lens within your eye. When we’re young, the lens in our eye is flexible and able to change shape to help us focus on objects at different distances. But as we get older, the lens becomes less flexible and less able to change shape. This means that it becomes more difficult for our eyes to focus on near objects, which is what causes presbyopia.
Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable around the age of 40, and it tends to get worse over time. The exact rate at which this happens can vary from person to person, but most people will experience some degree of presbyopia as they get older. If you’re experiencing symptoms of presbyopia – such as difficulty reading small print or having to hold objects farther away to see them clearly – it’s important to talk to an eye doctor. They can help you understand what’s going on with your eyes and recommend treatment options.
Can Presbyopia be Corrected?
Depending on the severity of symptoms, a range of treatment options are available to address presbyopia. The most common options include corrective lenses, such as reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses. Contact lenses, monovision contact lenses, corneal inlays, and LASIK surgery are also viable options.
Reading glasses are the simplest and most common way to add some magnification for people with presbyopia. Bifocal or trifocal glasses provide additional correction for distance vision as well as up-close vision. Progressive lenses are the most sophisticated lenses available and work by offering continuous correction along with the full lens. The addition of a small, corneal inlay device makes it viable to restore reading vision without removing the eyeglasses. LASIK, however, works by reshaping the cornea to correct several eye disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
Some of the signs and symptoms of presbyopia are (x):
- Eye strain
- Headache after doing up-close work
- Blurred vision even when looking at objects that are close to you
- Difficulty reading small prints
- Visual fatigue during close work
- Squinting
- Requiring brighter lights for reading and other close-up works
- Sensitivity to light
Causes of Presbyopia
Age-related Changes in the Eye
Presbyopia is a normal part of aging, and it is caused by changes in the eye’s lens and muscles that control the lens. As we get older, the lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to adjust to different distances. The muscles that control the lens also weaken, making it more difficult to focus on objects up close. These changes occur slowly and gradually, which is why most people start to notice presbyopia in their 40s.
Genetics
Like many eye conditions, genetics can play a role in presbyopia. If your parents or other family members have presbyopia, you may be more likely to develop it as well. People who have a family history of early presbyopia (before age 40) may be at an increased risk for the condition.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can contribute to presbyopia. For example, diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eye and lead to changes in vision. Other conditions that can affect the eyes, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, can also contribute to presbyopia or make it worse.
Lifestyle Factors
There are several lifestyle factors that are linked to the development of presbyopia. For example, people who have jobs or hobbies that require a lot of close-up work may be more prone to developing the condition. Additionally, certain medications, such as antihistamines and diuretics, may increase the risk of presbyopia.
Chronic Health Conditions
Certain chronic health conditions can also contribute to the development of presbyopia, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure, in particular, has been linked to poor vision in older adults, including presbyopia. Keeping these conditions in check with proper management can reduce the risk of developing presbyopia.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also play a role in presbyopia. People who spend a lot of time doing close-up work, such as reading or working on a computer, may be more likely to develop presbyopia. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can also contribute to changes in the eye that lead to presbyopia.
Medications
Certain medications can also contribute to presbyopia. For example, some medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease can affect the blood vessels in the eye and lead to changes in vision. If you notice changes in your vision after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor.
Risk Factors for Presbyopia
While being over the age of 40 is the most significant risk factor for presbyopia, other factors can cause early development. Having an early development of the condition is known as premature presbyopia and could arise as a result of an underlying medical condition. These include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Exposure to blue light
- Smoking
Some sources also claim that women are more likely to experience presbyopia than men. The reality, however, is that it affects men and women equally. Research just shows that women are more likely to address the problem.
Presbyopia and Myopia
While both presbyopia and myopia are caused by changes in the eye’s structure, the root causes are different. Presbyopia is caused by the hardening of the lens in the eye, which is a natural part of aging. Myopia, on the other hand, is believed to be linked to genetics and environmental factors, such as spending too much time indoors or doing close-up work, like reading, for extended periods.
Treatments for Presbyopia
The easiest and most common way to manage presbyopia is by wearing eye glasses with corrective lenses. For some people, contact lenses surgery are more desirable options.
Eye Glasses
The most popular treatment option for presbyopia for those over 40 is the use of eyeglasses. Here are some specifics:
Bifocals
They have two types of focus separated by a visible horizontal line. The upper part is set for distance (nearsightedness) and the lower for reading or up-close work.
Trifocals
These glasses come with two visible horizontal lines on the lenses to indicate three different point of focus. The portions are set for close-up work, midrange vision – i.e., for computer screens, and distance vision.
Progressive Multifocal
This is also referred to as a no-line bifocal. They do not come with a visible line and have the added advantage of providing a seamless transition for middle, distance, and close-up corrections.
Non-Prescription Lens
If you didn’t require eyeglasses before having presbyopia or you are still in the early stage of the condition, then you might be able to use off-the-shelf non-prescription reading glasses. These standard off-the-rack reading glasses are available in office supply stores, supermarkets and drug stores, and may do the trick for reading or close work. However, chances remain that as the presbyopia worsens, you may eventually have to get prescription corrective lenses.
When choosing your non-prescription glasses, try different degrees of magnification, and go for the lowest that allow you read small prints comfortably. Most of these glasses range in power from +1.00 diopter (D) TO +3.00 D. So, if you know the amount of correction you need, you can easily choose the suitable pair for you. If you don’t know how much correction you need, try different powers.
Prescription Contact Lens
If you already use glasses to correct eye issues like astigmatism or nearsightedness, then you will probably need a new prescription to also correct presbyopia. Here are the types to consider:
Bifocal Contact Lens
These provide the same option a the bifocal glasses i.e., close-up and distance correction on each contact
Monovision Contact Lenses
With this type, you will wear a contact lens for close-up vision in one eye, and that for distant vision in the other eye (usually the dominant one)
Modified Monovision Contact Lens
This requires you to wear a bifocal or multifocal contact lens in one eye and a contact lens for distance in the other (usually your dominant eye). Both eyes can be used for distance vision; however, just one is used for reading, and the brain then adjusts to process the image accordingly.
Surgery
There are different surgical options available for treating presbyopia. Here are some:
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
This uses radiofrequency waves to change the shape of the cornea to improve its focusing ability by applying heat to tiny spots around the cornea. While the keratoplasty surgery is effective, the correction may diminish over time for some patients.
Lens Implants
This involves the removal of the natural lens and replacing it with a synthetic one referred to as intraocular lens implant. Some of these lenses cover both near and distance vision or either of the two. Possible side effects of lens implants are blurring and glare. Still, it remains a promising treatment option as the complications are rare and the surgery is short. However, it is an irreversible procedure and may even still require reading glasses after surgery.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses, or IOLs, can be implanted during cataract surgery. These lenses offer multiple focal points, eliminating the need for reading glasses after surgery. They are a more permanent solution, and once implanted, they can last a lifetime. However, this option requires eye surgery, and it is not suitable for everyone.
Corneal Inlay & Refractive Surgery
This is similar in concept to a lens implant, as it involves inserting small plastic ring into the central of the cornea of one eye. It acts like a pinhole camera to increase depth of focus (x).
More recently, a range of surgical options have emerged for treating presbyopia, including monovision LASIK and corneal inlays. Monovision LASIK involves correcting one eye for distance vision and one eye for close-up vision, allowing the eyes to work together to see clearly at any distance. Corneal inlays are small, implantable devices that rest in the eye and change the shape of the cornea, resulting in clear vision at multiple ranges. However, these procedures do come with some risks and side effects, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your eye doctor before making a decision.
In addition to these treatments, there are also a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your vision and manage the symptoms of presbyopia. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, protecting your eyes from the sun with UV-blocking sunglasses, and exercising regularly can all help to keep your eyes healthy and functioning at their best.
Can you Reverse Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects many people, but it doesn’t have to significantly disrupt your daily life. Although it cannot be reversed entirely, treatments are available to manage the symptoms effectively. Corrective lenses, refractive surgery, certain eye exercises, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or slow down the progression of this condition.
Living a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent presbyopia from developing or worsening. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and nutrients can help improve your vision. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and getting plenty of exercises can also benefit your eyesight. Additionally, avoiding bad habits like smoking and consuming heavy alcohol can help prevent or slow down the progression of presbyopia.
Supplements for Vision
In this digital era, our eyes are constantly strained with long hours of staring at screens, causing our vision to deteriorate faster than ever before. Over time, this eye condition, known as Presbyopia, may creep in and lessen our visual clarity, forcing us to rely on reading glasses. But did you know that taking supplements for vision can help slow down the progression of Presbyopia?
Specific nutrients that are available in food as well as supplements play a big role in maintaining good eyesight in general. The U.S. National Eye Institute carried out a large, multi-phase study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The most recent phase of the study ultimately identified a combination of six vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can slow age-related vision loss. These nutrients function as antioxidants in the body and reduce oxidative stress on the eyes which is believed to contribute to vision loss. They are:
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C acts as an important antioxidant in the body. Besides boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and keeping the heart healthy, it also helps slow the progression of age-related vision loss. The specific amount found to be effective in the AREDS formula is 500 mg/day. However, it’s generally safe in higher doses and personal preferences on vitamin C doses vary widely.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E refers not just to one compound, but a group of fat-soluble vitamins. The AREDS study recommends 400 IU of vitamin E to keep eyes healthy. As a dietary supplement, take 1 vitamin E 400 IU soft gel daily with a meal, or as otherwise directed by a physician.
Zinc
Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina. The AREDS study recommends 80 mg/day of this important mineral for optimal long-term vision. However, more recent studies suggest that lower levels, more like 25 mg/day of zinc, is equally effective for this purpose. These recent findings may be important because currently, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of elemental zinc for adult women and men is 8 mg and 11 mg per day, respectively. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), or the amount that most healthy adults can tolerate without negative side effects, set at 40 mg per day for men and women. As a dietary supplement, zinc is available in several forms such as zinc citrate, zinc gluconate and zinc glycinate. Since each has its own dosing instructions, simply follow the directions on the label or as recommended by a doctor.
Copper
Most people don’t have a copper deficiency, which is good because this mineral is very important for the immune system, healthy red blood cells, and of course, vision. According to the AREDS study, 2 mg/day is enough to fight oxidative damage in the eyes. When using as a supplement, caution is on advisement. Copper is extremely toxic when taken in excess. An analytical milligram scale is required to measure copper gluconate powder. Do not exceed 4 milligrams of elemental copper per day. Not intended for individual use.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Though slightly different, these two similar antioxidant compounds often go hand in hand. That’s because they’re both in high concentrations in the retina and protect the eyes from damaging UV light. Leafy green foods like kale, spinach, mustard greens and lettuce contain lots of lutein and zeaxanthin, as does asparagus, pumpkin, summer squash, broccoli and carrots. Ten mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin is recommended for optimal optical health. With a plant based diet, this is easily doable. Alternatively, as a dietary supplement, take 400 mg of lutein 5% powder daily and 100 mg of zeaxanthin 5% powder one to two times daily, or as directed by a physician.
Bonus Supplements for Eye Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, is one of the essential supplements for vision as it aids in the production of pigments in the retina that help you see in low light conditions. It is also responsible for maintaining the health of the cornea and preventing eye infections. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver are rich in Vitamin A. You may also take it in Vitamin A supplement form for better absorption.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a key role in maintaining eye health. They help prevent dry eyes, reduce inflammation, and preserve the integrity of the retinal cells. EPA and DHA are two types of omega-3s that are particularly beneficial for eyesight. You can increase your omega-3 intake by eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, or by taking fish oil supplements.
The Bottom Line
Presbyopia is a common problem that affects almost everyone as we age. The treatments discussed above, which include reading glasses, contact lenses, progressive lenses, refractive surgery and multifocal intraocular lenses, all offer different benefits and drawbacks. Discussing your options with your eye doctor is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. With the right treatment, you can improve your vision and maintain a more youthful appearance, without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle.
Presbyopia may be a common age-related condition, but there are several steps we can take to reduce these risk factors. Along with regular eye exams and using the right corrective lenses, staying active, eating healthy, avoiding eye strain, and using protective eye-wear can reduce the chances of developing presbyopia.
There you have it – the best supplements for vision presbyopia. However, it is important to note that supplements should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. The best way to maintain good eye health is to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and protect your eyes from UV rays and other harmful environmental factors. If you are experiencing changes in your vision, consult your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.