vision after 40. symptoms reading is blurred eye strain/headache avoiding close work holding reading...
TRANSCRIPT
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