Did you know that, according to the University of Michigan, many older adults still don’t have clear eyesight? Even with visual aids, an astonishing 28% of adults over the age of 71 suffer from visual impairment.
If you’re a senior in Athens, GA, you may be wondering if it’s time to take care of your vision. But how do you know if you need reading glasses?
Read on to learn more about senior eye health, aging and vision, and eyesight awareness.
Aging and Vision
Reading changes are extremely common as you age. You may see racks of reading glasses at your local supermarket or convenience store, geared toward those who need to pick up a pair quickly.
The most prominent factor in vision change in your elder years is a condition called presbyopia. With presbyopia, your eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects.
Presbyopia begins with what is known as lens hardening. When your lenses lose flexibility, it’s even more difficult for them to change shape or shift focus.
Consequently, the muscles around the lenses attempt to compensate for the lens’ inflexibility. As the condition worsens, your lenses eventually lose focus, leading to blurry vision and the need for reading glasses.
The Mayo Clinic reports that presbyopia often can first become noticeable in your forties, and your lens function will continue to deteriorate into your mid-sixties.
How Do You Know if You Need Reading Glasses?
Everyone’s journey to reading glasses is different; you may need them earlier or later than the statistics, or you might have other issues that cause additional problems with your vision.
Here are some key signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect you’re developing presbyopia:
Frequent Headaches
As your vision worsens, eye strain becomes more common. Worsening vision leads to eye strain as your muscles work harder to maintain clarity, resulting in headaches.
If you find yourself suffering from headaches with no known cause, it may be time to visit the eye doctor. Over-the-counter painkillers and headache caps can be sufficient remedies that temporarily relieve headaches.
Needing More Light to See
Have you noticed yourself holding reading material closer to a lamp or having to turn on multiple lights to see adequately?
When presbyopia develops, the hardening of your lenses can cause less light to filter through. As a result, you may require more light to see at the same level you are used to.
It is important to ensure you have adequate light while reading to lessen eye strain in general. However, if the light you have is still not enough, your presbyopia may become more noticeable.
Squinting
Squinting can cause temporary changes in vision and shift reading material back into focus. Since squinting narrows the opening of the eye, it can provide clarity and relief from blurry vision.
Although squinting can be a symptom of tiredness or general eye fatigue, pay attention to how often you are squinting. If you find yourself squinting excessively, it could be a sign of further vision problems.
Reading at Arm’s Length
When you develop problems with reading, holding material far away can actually be an improvement. As your lenses become less flexible and it’s harder to see up close, you may find relief putting your reading materials at a distance.
Next time you find yourself holding a book, magazine, or phone screen further away, move it closer to your face and take note of any changes in your vision.
Halos or Double Vision
Not only can presbyopia worsen your vision up close, but the hardening of your lenses can lead to eye alignment issues. When your eyes are misaligned, it can lead to problems such as double vision.
Double vision can also signal multiple eye issues at once. If you find yourself experiencing persistent double vision, try to schedule an eye appointment as soon as possible.
You may also experience halos, a phenomenon in which you see starbursts or light patterns around objects.
Increasing Font Size on Devices
Do you find yourself constantly updating your smartphone or tablet to increase the font size? Do you gravitate toward large print books? If so, you should consider getting reading glasses.
Although tiny font sizes can cause eye strain in normal, healthy eyes, it’s important to keep track of the font sizes on your devices. There’s a difference between increasing font size for comfort and increasing the font size because it is the only way you can read the text clearly.
Athens Senior Living Tips for Better Vision
If you’ve determined that it’s time for reading glasses, here are some key tips to help you get started:
Gradually Adjust to Your Reading Glasses
Adjustment is crucial, especially for first-time glasses wearers. Full-time wear can feel overwhelming.
Start by wearing them for short periods, around 15 to 30 minutes every day. Work your way up, and get in the habit of putting them on before looking at any type of reading material.
Use Varying Strengths for Different Tasks
You don’t have to own just one pair of reading glasses. Reading glasses tend to be more cost-effective than other types of lenses. Various strengths are typically available at stores near you.
Try out different strengths for various activities in your life. For instance, you may need a stronger pair to read a novel, but a weaker alternative for other senior living activities.
Choose Frames That Fit Your Personal Style
Glasses can be a stylish accessory and a fun way to update your look. Find frames that work with your personal style. Purchase a few options that you can swap out, depending on your outfit or mood.
Learn More at TerraBella Epps Bridge
So, how do you know if you need reading glasses? With this guide, you should be able to advocate for your eyeglass needs and start experiencing better vision.
Are you a senior in Athens, GA, looking to modify your living situation due to vision changes? TerraBella Epps Bridge may be the perfect solution for your needs.
Our exclusive senior living community offers amenities such as health and fitness programs, chef-prepared dining, and a full roster of activities and events – all to help you feel more at home.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today or schedule a tour to see our stunning location in person. We can’t wait to hear from you!
