If You’re Over 40, You Probably Need Reading Glasses. Here’s Why.
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Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer
Key TakeawaysPresbyopia, which typically starts in your 40s, can make it hard to read small print.Presbyopia affects an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide.Choosing the correct strength of reading glasses is essential to avoid discomfort like headaches and eye strain.
Many people will need reading glasses as they approach age 40 due to natural vision changes. Some estimates suggest that over 34 million Americans rely on over-the-counter readers.“Around the time you turn 40, you will probably find that you hold reading materials farther away than usual in order to see them clearly,” Sidney Gicheru, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Verywell.The need for reading glasses is often caused by presbyopia, a condition that typically strikes in your 40s and can affect various daily activities. Normal aging can cause the eyes' lens to lose their ability to focus on objects up close.“Reading is not the only life function that is affected,” Gicheru said. “It also affects the clarity of any tasks or hobbies we like to do up close.”Signs You Need Reading GlassesAging is the most common cause of presbyopia and the need for readers—about 85% of people over 40 have the condition—but it can affect people under 40, too.The following symptoms can indicate presbyopia, according to Steven Reed, OD, president of the American Optometric Association:Blurred vision while holding reading materials at a normal distanceHeadaches or eye fatigue when working on something up closeNeeding to hold reading materials at arm’s lengthSquinting more frequentlyTrouble seeing smaller print in dim lightIf you experience these symptoms, it could mean you need to start wearing reading glasses, Reed said.
Related: Contact Lens Options for People Over 40
How to Pick ReadersIt’s essential to choose the right reading glasses, as wearing the wrong pair could worsen your vision. Picking out readers may seem as straightforward as holding up a couple of pairs and seeing which pair helps the most, but it's more complicated than that.You may need different pairs of readers for different activities. “If you’re wearing the reading glasses primarily when using a computer, you will likely need a lower reading glasses power because most people view their screen from a greater distance from their eyes than when they are reading a book or magazine,” Reed said. “The longer the viewing distance, the less reading glasses power you need for comfortable vision.”Wearing the wrong pair of reading glasses could lead to uncomfortable symptoms. “Headaches, eye strain, and nausea can result from wearing reading glasses that are not a correct prescription or do not correct each eye equally,” said Reed.An optometrist can help you determine the best reading glasses for your needs.
Related: Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: What's the Difference?
When Readers Aren’t EnoughNot all eye symptoms people experience in their 40s can be attributed to presbyopia. Pain, discharge, frequent headaches, and significant vision changes should prompt you to speak with an eye doctor as soon as possible, no matter your age.You should also talk to an eye doctor if you still feel you’re squinting to read even while wearing them, or if you’re having trouble seeing things in general.During an eye exam, an eye doctor can rule out underlying conditions that could contribute to vision changes.“Some eye diseases, like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, begin without any symptoms, so an eye exam with an [eye doctor] is critical to maintaining your eye health and getting treatment before your vision is compromised,” Gicheru said.
What This Means For YouMany people start needing reading glasses in their 40s due to a common condition called presbyopia. If you notice difficulty reading or need to hold materials farther away to see clearly, it may be time for reading glasses. An eye doctor can help you choose the right pair and rule out any other eye conditions that may be affecting your vision.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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