Are you holding your phone at arm’s length? Struggling to read a menu in dim light? You might be experiencing presbyopia—a common, age-related eye condition that affects your ability to see things up close.
Although presbyopia affects over 1.8 billion people worldwide, it’s still surrounded by confusion and outdated information. At My Family Eye Care, we’re here to bust the most common myths and give you the clear, science-backed facts you need.
Common Myths About Presbyopia
Myth 1: Presbyopia Only Affects the Elderly
You don’t have to be a senior citizen to develop presbyopia. Most people begin noticing symptoms in their early to mid-40s. Whether squinting at a text message or struggling with fine print, presbyopia symptoms can sneak up on you—even if you’ve had perfect vision your whole life.
Routine eye exams help catch subtle vision changes before they interfere with your life.
Myth 2: It’s the Same as Farsightedness
Both conditions affect near vision, but they aren’t the same. Presbyopia happens when the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible with age. Hyperopia (farsightedness) is caused by the shape of the eye and can affect children or young adults. The causes and treatments are different.
Myth 3: Reading Glasses Will Make Your Eyes Worse
Reading glasses don’t weaken your eyes. They help your eyes focus more comfortably. The “my vision got worse once I started using glasses” feeling is common, but it’s because you’re finally seeing what you were missing. Taking off the glasses makes that contrast feel more dramatic, not because your vision declined, but because clarity returned.
Myth 4: Eye Exercises Can Cure Presbyopia
Eye exercises can strengthen your eye muscles and improve comfort, but they won’t reverse the structural changes that come with aging. Presbyopia is caused by stiffening of the lens, not weak muscles. Exercises may support overall vision health, but can’t “cure” the condition.
Myth 5: Surgery Isn’t an Option
Surgical solutions absolutely exist. LASIK, corneal inlays, and other procedures can reshape the cornea or implant devices that restore near vision. Not everyone is a candidate, but surgery is one of several effective treatments for presbyopia, and the technology is better than ever.
What Is Presbyopia? A Quick Overview
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that impacts your ability to focus on nearby objects. As the lens in your eye loses flexibility, it becomes harder to adjust focus between distances.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty reading small print
- Holding reading materials farther away
- Eye strain or fatigue during close-up tasks
- Headaches after screen use or reading
If these sound familiar, it’s time for a professional eye exam and personalized treatment.
Treatment Options at My Family Eye Care
At My Family Eye Care in West Siloam Springs, we offer a full range of solutions tailored to your vision needs and lifestyle:
- Reading Glasses: Perfect for those with no other refractive errors.
- Bifocals/Progressive Lenses: For patients managing near and distance vision needs.
- Contact Lenses: Including multifocal and monovision options.
- Surgical Interventions: Options like LASIK or corneal inlays offer long-term correction.
Your eye care journey begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Our team will help determine which solution works best for your eyes, routine, and comfort.
Get Started with an Exam in West Siloam Springs
Don’t let outdated myths cloud your vision—presbyopia is one of the most manageable age-related conditions, especially with expert care. At My Family Eye Care, we’re here to give you the tools, technology, and guidance to see clearly up close and in every part of life.
Schedule your eye exam and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable near vision.