Cardigan
4 William Street,
Cardigan,
Ceredigion,
SA43 1EL
01239 612004

Narberth
Spring Gardens,
Narberth,
Pembrokeshire,
SA67 7AW
01834 861660

Pembroke Dock
The Argyle Medical Centre Argyle Street,
Pembroke Dock,
Pembrokeshire,
SA72 6HL
01646 689907

Normal healthy young eyes have a wide range of focus from far distance to a few centimetres. In a young eye, the lens is very flexible. As we get older, the lens of the eye thickens and slowly loses its flexibility leading to a gradual decline in our ability to focus on objects that are close up. This loss of focusing ability is called PRESBYOPIA. It is not a disease but a normal and expected change which sooner or later affects everyone, whether they already wear contact lenses and spectacles or not. It does not occur suddenly. Around the age of 40-45 we begin to realise that we are holding the newspaper further away or we need more light to read the telephone directory.

 

What should you do?
By paying a visit to an Optometrist you can keep a regular check for any eye problems. The eye examination, which takes between 20 and 30 minutes, should be part of every persons health regime. Not only will the practitioner measure the focusing defects of people's eyes but will also check closely for any early signs of eye disease or other medical condition.

 

How is Presbyopia corrected?
The practitioner will advise on the wide range of options (see side column) available to restore good vision. It is important that you mention any hobbies or special tasks at There is no advantage in delaying using reading spectacles They will not make eyes lazy.

 

[data from www.college-optometrists.org]