Understanding the Progression of Farsightedness with Age

Have you noticed that as you grow older, your vision seems to change in a certain way? If you were farsighted (hypermetropic) at the age of 20, is it more likely that you will become more farsighted as you get older? This article aims to clarify the common misconception about the progression of farsightedness, focusing on the differences between farsightedness and presbyopia, and how they can influence your vision as you age.

The Difference Between Farsightedness and Presbyopia

It is important to understand that farsightedness, also known as hyperopia or hypermetropia, and presbyopia, are two distinct conditions that affect your vision differently. Even if you were farsighted at 20 years old, the changes in your vision as you age are likely to be attributed to presbyopia rather than a worsening of your existing hyperopia.

Presbyopia: The Inevitable Aging Process of Vision

Presbyopia is a natural process that affects most people after the age of 40. It results from the loss of flexibility of the lens in your eye, making it harder to focus on close objects. Unlike farsightedness, which is a refractive error where light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, presbyopia is caused by the natural aging of the eye's lens.

Do I Become More Farsighted with Age if Already Farsighted at 20?

Many eye care professionals agree that the likelihood of you becoming more farsighted as you age, if you were farsighted at 20, is relatively low. Instead, the increase in your need for stronger glasses will be due to presbyopia. As you grow older, your eyes’ lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects. This is why most individuals need to adjust their glasses or contact lenses prescriptions as they age.

Functional vs. Residual Farsightedness

Some experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists have noted that younger people with farsightedness often have more residual farsightedness. For example, a person with a 1.00 diopter of farsightedness at 20 could be found to have 2.00 diopters after using a cycloplegic drug to relax the focusing system. While young and healthy individuals can overfocus a diopter, they lose this ability as they age. This can create an illusion of increasing farsightedness with age.

Other Influencing Factors

There are other factors that can influence the progression of farsightedness, such as your overall health. Conditions like diabetes can cause unusual power changes in your glasses prescription. Additionally, engaging in activities like college coursework or constant computer use can further stress your eyes and potentially accelerate the rate of farsightedness progression.

Conclusion

In summary, if you were farsighted (hypermetropic) at 20, it is more likely that you will experience an increase in the need for corrective lenses due to presbyopia rather than a worsening of farsightedness. Understanding the difference between farsightedness and presbyopia can help you better manage your vision as you age. If you have any concerns about your vision, it is always best to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized advice and treatment options.

Keywords: farsightedness, presbyopia, hypermetropia