Avoid mid-life crisis with a simple eye check

A NEW national survey has revealed many Australians aged 35-50 are struggling with blurry or unclear vision during everyday tasks.

The vast majority remain unaware of a likely cause; a common age-related condition called presybotia.

Presbyopia occurs as the eye’s lens gradually changes with age, typically from around 40 years old, making it more difficult to focus on near objects.

Despite more than half of respondents reporting difficulty seeing clearly when reading in low light (59 per cent) using their phone or computer (51 per cent), as well as reading in general (42 per cent), and an overwhelming 72 per cent said they had never heard of presbyopia.

Torquay Specsavers optometrist Loc Le said many people were using a range of common coping strategies to get by with declining close-up vision.

“We ask a lot from our eyes and presbyopia is a normal process that occurs over time, but it often flies under the radar because people could be adopting short-term workarounds that mask the issue.

“While those tricks can help for a while, they become less effective over time — and without treatment, the condition can worsen and seriously impact quality of life.”

Resizing screen text, using a phone torch to see more clearly and holding reading material at arms length are just some coping strategies.

Loc warns these tactics often delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

“The Specsavers survey reveals that untreated presbyopia can cause avoidable daily frustrations — from misreading a weather forecast and dressing inappropriately. to botching a recipe due to misread measurements, or even ruining clothes by failing to read the washing instructions properly.

“But more seriously, it can increase the risk of dangerous situations — such as taking the wrong medication or making mistakes behind the wheel.

Loc encouraged anyone with sight issues to get them checked out before bigger issues start presenting.

“People often don’t realise that a simple eye test and the right vision correction could dramatically improve their confidence and safety.”

At Specsavers, every comprehensive eye test includes an advanced 3D eye scan which looks at the back of the eye and can help to detect eye conditions even before you have any symptoms.

Eye tests are bulkbilled for anyone with a valid Medicare card.

Head to specsavers.com.au to find your nearest Specsavers or to book an appointment.