When Do You Need Reading Glasses? Signs Seniors Should Watch For
Approximately 166.5 million Americans wear eyeglasses, as reported by the glasses retailer Warby Parker. This number hints at the vast majority of adults in the U.S. requiring visual correction in daily life.
Are you a senior in Rock Hill, SC, who is wondering, "When do you need reading glasses?" The answer to this question may not be as clear-cut as you would like.
In this guide, we will explore the symptoms of presbyopia, signs that you may need reading glasses, and how to care for your visual health with senior eye changes. Let's get started.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the term for the condition in which you begin to lose your near-vision acuity. Although you can be born with presbyopia, it tends to develop later in life, which is the reason why reading glasses are so common among the elderly population.
When Do You Need Reading Glasses?
Presbyopia symptoms can vary depending on the individual, but there are several prominent signs that you should consider wearing reading glasses. Here are a few that have to do with aging and eyesight:
You Gravitate Towards Larger Print
Have you caught yourself increasing the font size on your digital devices? Do you drift toward the large print section at your local bookstore or library?
Reading larger print material is not inherently bad; in fact, it can be beneficial to combat problems such as eye strain. However, the main problem to watch out for occurs when you are unable to read fine print, and larger print becomes a necessity rather than a preference.
An easy solution? Test your visual acuity. See if you can read fine print just as easily as large print. If you struggle too much with the smaller print, consider getting tested for presbyopia.
You Hold Objects Further Away
When your vision becomes disrupted up close, it may feel more comfortable to read things from farther away.
As you read, observe how close the reading material is to your face. Burman and Zuckerbrod state that the optimal distance for reading material is the "Harmon Distance."
To find your ideal distance, place your fist under your chin and rest your elbow on a table. The distance from your eyes to your elbow indicates how close you should hold reading material.
You Suffer From Headaches
Headaches can be a pesky annoyance, or they could be a sign of deteriorating vision. But how can you tell?
If you find yourself experiencing frequent headaches, make a note of when the symptoms begin to manifest. For instance, if they occur when you first wake up, the headaches may not be related to vision problems.
However, if your head begins to hurt while performing visually challenging activities, it could be cause for concern. Not only are headaches uncomfortable, but they can lead to further problems, such as nausea and dizziness, if they increase in severity.
The best remedy for vision-related headaches is to correct your vision with an accurate prescription. For short-term relief, try solutions such as:
- Acupressure or acupuncture therapy
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol
- A cold migraine cap
- Lying down in a dark room
- Limiting screen time and excessive visual strain
You should also be aware of more serious eye problems that can manifest with headaches as a symptom. If your headaches do not resolve once you start wearing glasses, consult your eye doctor for a more thorough examination.
You Catch Yourself Squinting More
Squinting causes less light to enter your eye, which means that your retina can focus better. This can be an immense relief and can temporarily correct your vision if your eyesight is blurry or unfocused.
Occasional squinting is perfectly normal and should not be a cause for concern. Excessive squinting could indicate that your body is naturally attempting to compensate for vision impairment.
You Avoid Activities Requiring Visual Focus
Have you noticed that you do not want to read any more? Do you find yourself engaging in activities that do not require excessive eye use?
You may inadvertently be avoiding these functions because they require extensive use of your eyes. When you have conditions such as presbyopia, focusing on things up close for long periods can be uncomfortable.
Key Tips for Vision Care in Assisted Living
If you're a senior in assisted living, you should still maintain eye health as a top priority. Keep your reading glasses readily available so you do not have to overwork your eyes.
Incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet, such as:
- Leafy greens
- Citrus fruits
- Beans and legumes
- Nuts
Try to avoid alcohol, as well as foods high in fat and sugar. Programs such as Terra Bella Rock Hill offer chef-prepared, homestyle dining, ensuring your nutritional needs are met.
Memory Care and Vision Support
For seniors suffering from dementia, vision support may be tricky. Conditions such as Alzheimer's can affect not only how you process information but also how likely you are to wear your reading glasses consistently.
If you often forget to wear your reading glasses, consider making them more accessible. Try wearing them around your neck, so you do not have to worry about losing them.
Another solution is to purchase multiple pairs and keep them in areas where you are likely to need them. For instance, if you like to read magazines on the couch or crack open a book before bed, have some pairs of reading glasses within easy reach.
Take Care of Your Vision at TerraBella Rock Hill
So, when do you need reading glasses? The answer is simple: When you experience any of the complications listed in this article.
As a senior, it's important to take care of your whole body, including your eyes. At TerraBella Rock Hill, we make that possible. With amenities such as homestyle dining and personalized care, we ensure our residents put their health first.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discover everything our community has to offer, or visit our beautiful campus in Rock Hill, SC, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!