One of the things about getting older that is a constant, many times daily, reminder of the fact, is presbyopia. That is, the loss of the ability to read or view a computer screen without glasses. We have all sorts of cute names for these hated devices including 'cheaters' and 'close ups', and we ladies buy them in cute leopard patterns with matching cases.
All this really means is that we can't see in the same way we used to. I hate it, hate it, hate it... I loved the ads that were shown frequently about ten years ago, showing 60's style protesters lashing out against 'the establishment' that doesn't allow them to see properly. They called themselves the 'Presbyopia 10'. Man, if I thought it'd make a difference, I would protest, too.
I am so tired of glancing at my calendar only to realize that, no, I can't do that any more. And, one pair of glasses is not enough. I wear glasses that are plain lenses above with a reader bifocal while at work, because I am constantly looking up, then reading or writing, over and over. Plus, they keep my eyes from getting splattered with 'stuff'. BUT, when I enter patient data into the computer, I have to wear a full lens reading glass, traditional 'readers', so that I don't sit with my chin up, cranking my neck to read. Is this fun or what?
I hate a lot of aspects of aging. Not fair... hear me?
What Causes Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is caused by an age-related process. This differs from astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, which are related to the shape of the eyeball and are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Presbyopia generally is believed to stem from a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye.
These age-related changes occur within the proteins in the lens, making the lens harder and less elastic over time. Age-related changes also take place in the muscle fibers surrounding the lens. With less elasticity, the eye has a harder time focusing up close. Other, less popular theories exist as well.
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