If you’re finding yourself reaching for brighter lights or holding your phone farther away, you’re not alone – it might be time to talk about presbyopia.
The team at Phillips Eye Clinic helps patients in Midland, TX manage these changes with personalized treatment options.
What Is Presbyopia, and Why Does It Happen?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that affects your ability to focus on nearby objects. Most people start noticing it in their 40s or early 50s – usually when they realize reading menus, phone screens, or books has suddenly become more difficult.
Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, which are caused by the shape of the eye, presbyopia is caused by a gradual stiffening of the eye’s internal lens. As we age, the lens loses flexibility and can’t change shape as easily to focus on up-close tasks. It’s similar to how a zoom lens on a camera gets stuck in one position – your eyes struggle to “zoom in.”
Even if you’ve never had vision issues before, presbyopia can affect you. And if you already wear glasses or contacts, this new change might feel especially frustrating.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
You might be dealing with presbyopia if you’ve noticed:
- Holding reading material farther away than usual
- Needing more light to see clearly
- Blurry vision when trying to read or work up close
- Eye strain or headaches after close-up tasks
- Trouble switching focus between distances
These symptoms often come on gradually, so many people chalk it up to tiredness or stress – but your eyes might be trying to tell you something important.
Treatments for Presbyopia at Phillips Eye Clinic
The good news is that presbyopia is both common and highly manageable. Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will walk you through a few different treatment options based on your lifestyle, vision needs, and whether you have any other existing eye conditions.
Here are some of the most common approaches:
- Reading Glasses – A simple and affordable fix, especially if you don’t need prescription glasses for other vision issues. Many people start here when they first notice symptoms.
- Progressive Lenses – These are multifocal glasses that provide a seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision. No more swapping between multiple pairs of glasses.
- Multifocal or Monovision Contacts – If you prefer contact lenses, these are designed specifically to correct both near and far vision. Monovision contacts use one eye for distance and the other for up-close tasks – your brain adapts surprisingly well over time.
- Surgical Options & Co-Management – While surgery doesn’t cure presbyopia, procedures like LASIK, refractive lens exchange (RLE), or implantable multifocal lenses can improve your near vision. We provide expert co-management, guiding you through your pre- and post-operative care with trusted surgical partners.
Presbyopia Care in Midland, TX
At Phillips Eye Clinic, we understand how frustrating it can be when your once-sharp vision no longer feels reliable. Presbyopia can sneak up on you – but with the right care, it doesn’t have to slow you down.
Our team offers comprehensive eye exams that check for presbyopia and other age-related changes. Whether you're ready to try reading glasses or want to explore more advanced treatments, we’ll help you find a solution that fits.
If you’re searching for treatments for presbyopia or reliable presbyopia care in Midland TX, we’d love to help. Let’s keep your vision clear, no matter your age.
Call us at (432) 689-0323 or request an appointment online today.