How can presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) be restored to normal?

Nov 16, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Cui Xin

Introduction

1. Eye exercises: Performing eye exercises regularly can help relieve eye fatigue. Acupressure on specific points—such as the temples (Taiyang) and Jingming acupoint—may also be beneficial. 2. Wearing reading glasses: Once presbyopia develops, wearing appropriately prescribed reading glasses can effectively alleviate eye strain. 3. Supplementing with lutein: Lutein helps reduce and delay age-related eye degeneration and pathological changes, thereby lowering the risk of eye diseases.

Presbyopia—age-related farsightedness—typically affects older adults due to age-associated declines in visual acuity and weakening of the visual nerves. Therefore, elderly individuals with presbyopia may benefit from warm compresses applied to the eyes and wearing appropriately prescribed reading glasses. Additionally, incorporating daily eye exercises (e.g., eye health routines) can help maintain ocular function. However, presbyopia is an irreversible, age-related physiological change; it cannot be cured but can only be managed through consistent, supportive care to slow its progression. So, how can presbyopia be “reversed” or restored to normal vision? Below, we address this question.

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Can Presbyopia Be Restored to Normal Vision?

1. Eye Health Exercises

Performing regular eye exercises helps alleviate eye fatigue. You may also gently massage acupoints such as the temples (Taiyang point) and Jingming point to improve local ocular blood circulation and relieve eye strain. Furthermore, each evening before bedtime, wash your face with warm water (40–50°C). First, soak a clean towel in the warm water, then remove it without wringing excessively. While still warm, place the towel over your forehead and both eyes; tilt your head slightly upward and keep your eyes gently closed for approximately 1–2 minutes. Once the temperature drops, proceed to rinse your face with water. This routine helps relax the ocular muscles.

2. Wearing Reading Glasses

Once presbyopia develops, wearing properly prescribed reading glasses helps reduce eye strain and prevents excessive accommodative effort—which may accelerate age-related ocular decline. Therefore, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive eye examination at a reputable hospital or certified optometric institution and select appropriate lenses based on professional medical advice. Additionally, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a primary structural component essential for neuronal growth and maintenance. It constitutes approximately 20% of the cerebral cortex and is the most abundant fatty acid in the retina—accounting for nearly 50% of retinal fatty acids.

3. Supplementing Lutein

Lutein helps mitigate, delay, and prevent age-related ocular degeneration and pathological changes, thereby reducing the incidence of eye diseases. It also protects the retina from phototoxic damage. Lutein is found in highest concentrations in dark leafy greens—including kale, collard greens, and spinach—as well as in marigold and calendula flowers. Consuming ample quantities of green vegetables ensures adequate lutein intake, especially foods such as corn, carrots, spinach, and red cabbage.

The above outlines strategies for managing presbyopia. We hope this information proves helpful to you.

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Are farsighted people more likely to develop presbyopia as they age?

In general, people with hyperopia may be more prone to developing presbyopia as they age. Hyperopia is a condition in which the focal point of the eye falls behind the retina, resulting in clear distance vision but blurry near vision. In contrast, presbyopia is a condition that occurs with aging, characterized by a gradual decline in the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects.