Tips to Reduce the Effects of Presbyopia

Between the ages of 40 and 45, eyes begin to encounter difficulties focusing on close-up vision. This becomes noticeable when reading labels becomes challenging, when sewing a button is no longer as effortless, or when looking at a computer or mobile phone screen, for instance.

As individuals age, the difficulty in "seeing up close" increases—a natural process that everyone undergoes, although it may not manifest in everyone simultaneously or with the same effects.

Presbyopia, or tired eyes, can be corrected with reading glasses or progressive lenses that address both presbyopia and nearsightedness.

The ophthalmology team at Juaneda Hospitals recommends having an eye examination at least once a year for both children and adults to detect any vision problems in a timely manner. In the case of presbyopia, they also provide a set of recommendations.

Everyday Tips to Alleviate Presbyopia

It doesn't take much time, but it is advisable to perform some simple exercises to delay or alleviate the effects of presbyopia. The goal is to relax and tone the eye muscles. Here are the experts' recommendations:

-  Engage in visual agility exercises: It's simpler than it sounds. This involves making circles with your gaze, varying the amplitude, looking in different directions, drawing numbers in the air with your eyes without moving your head, or fixing your gaze on a finger in front of your face and gradually bringing it closer to your eye.

-  Take short breaks to rest your eyes and relax your gaze by looking at the horizon or into the distance for a few seconds.

-  Give the muscles around the eyes a gentle massage, either with soft tapping or by applying gentle circular pressure. Facial expressions are also helpful for relaxation.

-  Another exercise involves focusing on an object both up close and at a distance to practice with different distances.

-  When reading or writing by hand, prioritize natural light whenever possible, as it is less straining on the eyes than artificial light.

-  Since hands are often close to the eyes, rubbing or touching them, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to avoid worsening symptoms of tired eyes.

-  Keep screens at a reasonable distance from your eyes and at the same eye level.

-  When watching television in the evening, turn on a backlight.

-  Pay attention to nutrition and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Screens have become a part of the daily lives of children, young people, and adults. Nevertheless, a good combination of modernity and tradition can be highly beneficial for tired eyes.

Engaging in activities like writing by hand, drawing, reading on paper, or embroidering—all without the need for electronic devices—significantly helps reduce the effects of presbyopia.

Juaneda Hospitals, close to you.

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