May 16, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Vance Thompson Vision.

Squinting to read this article? Or did you move your phone or tablet screen farther back to decode these words?

Do you have reading glasses scattered around your house?

One final question: Are you older than 40? 

If you are and squinting has become second nature, chances are you have presbyopia. It’s the most prevalent eye condition in America, affecting most people after the age of 40 and everyone by their early 50s.

Because presbyopia affects everyone, Vance Thompson Vision participates in multiple research studies that could help you become less dependent on reading glasses for near vision. Hear about our studies and how you might participate at our upcoming event:

Research open house

• When: Tuesday, May 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Vance Thompson Vision, 3101 W. 57th St.

We hope to see you there! Until then, here are answers to your frequently asked questions about presbyopia. 

What causes presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by age. Over time, your eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to see things up close. Before the age of 40, when looking at something in the distance, your lens is able to accommodate between images at a distance and images that are near. After 40, aging lenses gradually become more rigid. Because of that, the lens can’t change its shape or accommodate for reading distance like it used to, and images seen at close distance no longer come to a point of focus on the retina. 

Can presbyopia be prevented?

In a word, no. Over time, everyone will develop this condition. 

I had LASIK. Did it wear off?

LASIK is a permanent way to adjust your vision by gently reshaping your cornea. However, it doesn’t prevent presbyopia or make presbyopia happen sooner. LASIK is an alteration to your cornea, while presbyopia is the natural stiffening of your lens inside the eye.

How is presbyopia treated?

Most commonly, presbyopia is treated with reading glasses for near and intermediate visual functioning, especially in low light. If you prefer to do a lot without glasses, there are surgical options that may reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. There are laser, nonlaser and implant options to help reduce your need for reading glasses.

Don’t forget to join us May 31 to learn about presbyopia and if you’re a candidate for one of our studies. Want to schedule a consultation instead? Call Vance Thompson Vision at 605-361-EYES (3937). Vance Thompson Vision has performed more than 100,000 eye procedures at its locations throughout the Midwest and Mountain West.