Aging eyes change just like aging joints, bones and other parts of the body. By the time you turn 40, your eyes’ natural lenses are not as flexible as they were in your younger years. As they lose flexibility, they cannot focus as well from near to far. This causes your near vision to worsen as part of a condition called presbyopia. As a result, you realize you need reading glasses.
 

Four Signs You Need Reading Glasses

Below are four key signs that you need reading glasses because of the effects of aging on eyes:
 

You are over 40 years old.

Presbyopia most commonly develops in people who are over the age of 40. You may notice you strain to read a restaurant menu, book, smartphone, computer screen or notes on your desk. These changes take many people by surprise and can seem sudden. But they are the result of long-term effects of aging on eyes.
 

You need brighter lights for reading.

If you use more lighting to read than you once did, you may need reading glasses. In fact, studies show that 60 year-olds need three times more light for reading than they did in their 20s.
 

You experience eye fatigue when using your computer or reading.

If you feel your eyelids getting heavy while you work or read, it may indicate the effects of aging on eyes and your need for reading glasses. Eye strain occurs because your eyes are having to work harder. You may also find yourself blinking more often.
 

You get more headaches than ever before.

If your aging eyes must strain to see clearly or perform tasks, you are likely to develop headaches. These headaches typically occur behind the eyes. You can relieve the pain and reduce eye strain by wearing reading glasses. Also consider breaking your work up every 20 minutes by looking at a distant object for 20 seconds.
 

Choosing Your New Reading Glasses

When you need your first set of reading glasses, it can seem difficult to know which strength you need. Reading glasses’ power is noted in diopters, typically measuring from 1.00 to 4.00 diopters. You can find “readers” in strengths of .25 increments, such as 1.50 and 1.75.

It is important to try on reading glasses before buying them. You need to test the strength to find the one that works best. When testing different strengths, try reading your smartphone or a magazine at about 14 to 16 inches from your face. Many people need to buy two strengths at once, one for reading at a short distance and one for seeing a computer screen.

It is important to start with the weakest strength of reading glasses that work for you. You also need to set up an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist at Clarity Vision in North Carolina or southeastern Virginia for an eye exam. Readers will not improve other eye conditions beyond aging eyes and related presbyopia. They do not improve or correct astigmatism, for example. This is why it is important that you visit your eye care specialist for evaluation.

Once you start wearing readers, you may experience continuing vision changes as part of the effects of aging on eyes. You will possibly need stronger readers in the next few years.
 

Schedule a Visit with Your Eye Doctor

If you have blurry vision or notice other changes in your eyesight, you need to schedule an eye exam. Your optometrist can recommend the right strength for your new reading glasses. They may also find signs of other conditions common to aging eyes.

At Clarity Vision, you can have an eye exam and purchase new glasses to suit your prescription. You can also consider getting bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses to suit the effects of aging on eyes. Bifocals provide clarity for near and far vision. Trifocals and progressives make your vision clear for seeing near, middle and far objects. Contact lenses for presbyopia are also available to suit aging eyes and provide clarity at varied distances.

You should schedule an eye exam right away if you notice any changes in your vision like:

• Eye pain

• Halos or flashes of light around lights

• Double vision

• Everything appears blurry

See your eye doctor every one to three years between the ages of 55 and 64, then every one to two years from 65 years of age. Call your nearest Clarity Vision location today for scheduling.