What should I do about nearsightedness and presbyopia at age 50?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Presbyopia refers to age-related farsightedness. Presbyopia in a 50-year-old individual with myopia may be caused by age-related changes in the lens, physiological decline in accommodative ability, axial elongation of the eye, changes in corneal curvature, cataracts, and other factors. Treatment options such as general management and medication can be adopted under the guidance of a physician. It is important to maintain proper eye-use habits in daily life.
Generally speaking, "flowering vision" refers to presbyopia. Myopia accompanied by presbyopia at age 50 may result from age-related lens changes, physiological decline in accommodation, axial elongation of the eye, corneal curvature changes, cataracts, and other factors. Treatment options such as general management and medication can be adopted under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Age-Related Lens Changes
With increasing age, the eye's crystalline lens gradually hardens and loses elasticity, leading to reduced accommodative ability. This may make it difficult for the eyes to focus clearly during near tasks such as reading, resulting in presbyopia. Additionally, if myopia is already present, symptoms of presbyopia may develop on top of existing myopia. Wearing bifocal or progressive multifocal lenses is recommended to meet both distance and near vision needs.
2. Decline in Physiological Accommodative Ability
As people age, the eye’s natural ability to accommodate gradually diminishes, making it harder to rapidly shift focus between distant and near objects, which may lead to presbyopic symptoms—often coexisting with myopia. Regular eye exercises should be performed to enhance ocular muscle activity, and visual tasks should be reasonably scheduled to avoid prolonged continuous use of the eyes.
3. Axial Elongation of the Eye
Genetic factors or poor visual habits may cause axial elongation of the eyeball, causing parallel light rays from outside to refract through the eye's optical system without accurately focusing on the retina, thus leading to myopia. At the same time, presbyopic symptoms become increasingly apparent with aging. It is recommended to wear appropriate corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses to meet visual demands.
4. Corneal Curvature Changes
The cornea is the transparent tissue at the front of the eye, and changes in its curvature directly affect the eye’s refractive power. With age, corneal curvature may change, preventing light from properly focusing on the retina, thereby contributing to both myopia and presbyopia. Customized orthokeratology lenses or high-oxygen-permeable rigid gas-permeable contact lenses may be required to alleviate symptoms.
5. Cataracts
Cataracts are usually caused by aging, genetics, ocular diseases, trauma, and other factors. During cataract development, pathological changes in the lens accelerate loss of elasticity, making it difficult for the lens to effectively alter shape to adjust focus. This results in blurred near vision and worsening presbyopia. Moreover, due to uneven changes in the lens’ refractive power, the eye’s normal accommodation mechanism is disrupted, leading to overall blurred vision and the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include decreased contrast sensitivity, glare, and diminished color perception. Under medical supervision, phacoemulsification cataract extraction surgery should be considered, followed by implantation of an intraocular lens through a small incision to restore vision.
Individuals around the age of 50 who have both myopia and presbyopia should maintain healthy visual habits, avoid prolonged near-work activities, and regularly take breaks to rest their eyes and look into the distance to reduce eye strain.
