Question
Dear Dr. Axelrod, I am 52 and after having perfect vision all my life, had been progressing slowly into presbyopia since age 46. But this last several years my refraction exams are worsening very rapidly. My refraction changed in about 6-8 months time from 1.75 to 3.0. I have a feeling I may be doing something to cause my eyes to deteriorate---I've been spending long hours on the computer and staying up late--so therfore, my eyes are overexposed to light. Do you think that could cause problems? Do you think eye exercises can help presbyopia? Also, could refraction exams be "skewed" by being tired the day of the exam, or by perimenopausal hormone fluctuations? I'd really appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you so much,
Kate
Answer
Hi Kate,
None of those things affect presbyopia, only age by definition causes it. (presby = old, opia = sight). The graph that shows age vs. near vision is unbelievably consistent throughout the human population so at 52 you should need about a +2 for routine 16" reading. Since you are more than that you must be farsighted= ( hyperopia) too. The graph shows not a straight downward line of presbyopia as we age, rather a faster worsening in our late 40's and early 50's. So it is worsening, and fast. Welcome to adulthood. You actually started loosing your near vision at age 12, it just got bad enough to notice for you at 46. True there is some variability based on genetics, health, environment, but nothing to explain your rapid change. You can only make sure you don't have high blood sugar, so if you're not a diabetic then this is a natural change for you. You may need a distance correction after some more time too. Take care of yourself: stay hydrated, sleep well, good nutrition and exercise so that your eyes and body are at their best. You may be OK with cheap drugstore readers of a couple different powers depending on your viewing distances. Best of luck.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
