Floaters and Presbyopia: Common Eye Concerns Explained

Q: Floaters and Presbyopia: Common Eye Concerns Explained

Hello： <br>1. <br>Presbyopia： The symptoms you described, particularly sensitivity to light and visual fatigue, may be a sign of presbyopia. <br>Presbyopia is a condition that occurs with aging, where the lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to foc

Floaters and presbyopia?

Hello Doctor, I have approximately 700 degrees of myopia in both eyes.
About ten years ago, I developed floaters, and after an examination, it was found that the peripheral retina in my right eye was slightly thin.
I underwent laser surgery at that time.
The doctor also discovered an issue with my optic disc and referred me to a larger hospital for further examination.
However, my visual field test was normal, and the healing of the laser wound was satisfactory, which reassured me.

Last month, I got a new pair of blue light glasses with the same prescription, but I feel quite uncomfortable.
It seems that 700 degrees is too clear and bright for me.
I have tried to adapt for a long time, but I feel much more sensitive to light and shadows, experience eye fatigue, and have pain in my nose and head.
Although the number and shape of the floaters appear normal, they have become unusually prominent, and I notice them constantly.
After a dilated eye exam at the hospital, the doctor indicated that the floaters are likely a normal degenerative phenomenon and suggested checking once a year.
However, due to my age, I might be developing presbyopia.
Because of this, I got a pair of glasses with a 625-degree prescription for near vision, but I don’t feel relaxed when wearing them.
I find that I adapt better to the 700-degree glasses, but wearing them for too long also makes me uncomfortable.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Am I in the early stages of presbyopia? Should I wait until my presbyopia progresses further before I feel relaxed wearing the 625-degree glasses?
2.
Is it possible that presbyopia could make my floaters appear clearer to a nearsighted person, or is it that my vitreous is more liquefied, allowing the floaters to move more freely and thus appear more prominent?
3.
Does this vitreous liquefaction phenomenon indicate that as I age, the vitreous tissue will deteriorate further, potentially leading to an increase in floaters that could obstruct my vision in the future?
4.
If I want to engage in outdoor activities to maintain eye health, I’ve heard that sunlight exposure is beneficial for the eyes.
If I can only do this in the evening, will the effect be diminished?
Thank you for your response.
I would like to ask the doctor:

Pingu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Presbyopia: The symptoms you described, particularly sensitivity to light and visual fatigue, may be a sign of presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs with aging, where the lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus, especially on near objects.
It typically occurs in individuals over the age of 40, but this is not a fixed rule.
2.
Floaters: Presbyopia itself is unlikely to make floaters more pronounced.
Floaters are caused by condensations or spots in the vitreous humor and are not closely related to changes in the lens.
However, as one ages, the vitreous may undergo liquefaction or changes, which could affect the perception of floaters.
3.
Vitreous liquefaction: Vitreous liquefaction is a natural phenomenon that occurs with aging, making the condensations within the vitreous humor more noticeable.
This does not necessarily mean that there will be more floaters in the future, but it may lead you to notice changes in floaters.
4.
Outdoor exercise: Engaging in outdoor activities can be beneficial for eye health.
Even in the evening, outdoor exercise remains advantageous, regardless of any discounts.

Reply Date: 2023/09/02

More Info

Understanding floaters and presbyopia is essential for anyone experiencing changes in their vision, especially if they have a history of eye conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or have undergone procedures such as laser surgery. Your concerns about floaters, sensitivity to light, and the discomfort associated with new glasses are valid and warrant a thorough understanding.

1. Presbyopia and Its Early Signs: Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing early signs of presbyopia, a common age-related condition where the eye's lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. The fact that you have started to notice discomfort when trying to read or focus on nearby objects with a lower prescription (625 degrees) suggests that your eyes may not be adapting well to the change. It is not uncommon for individuals to find that they need a stronger prescription as presbyopia progresses. However, it can take time to adjust to new prescriptions, and some individuals may feel more comfortable with their previous prescription until their eyes fully adapt.

2. Floaters and Nearsightedness: Floaters are often more noticeable in individuals with myopia, particularly as the vitreous gel in the eye begins to liquefy with age. This liquefaction can make floaters appear more prominent, especially if you are experiencing increased sensitivity to light. It is possible that the changes in your vision due to presbyopia are making the floaters appear more distinct. However, if you have had a history of retinal issues, it is crucial to monitor any changes in the appearance of floaters, as sudden increases in floaters or flashes of light can indicate more serious conditions like retinal detachment.

3. Vitreous Changes with Age: As you age, the vitreous gel can continue to change, leading to more floaters. While this is typically a benign process, it can be concerning if you notice a significant increase in floaters or changes in your vision. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor these changes and ensure that they do not indicate any underlying issues. Your eye care professional can provide guidance on what to expect as you age and how to manage any symptoms.

4. Outdoor Activities and Eye Health: Engaging in outdoor activities is beneficial for eye health, as exposure to natural light can help reduce the risk of myopia progression and promote overall well-being. While sunlight exposure during the day is ideal, exercising in the evening can still be beneficial. The key is to ensure that you are getting regular physical activity and allowing your eyes to focus on different distances, which can help reduce eye strain.

In summary, your symptoms may be indicative of early presbyopia, and the changes in your floaters could be related to the natural aging process of the vitreous gel in your eyes. It is essential to maintain regular check-ups with your eye care provider, especially given your history of retinal issues. They can provide personalized advice and monitor your eye health over time. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision or an increase in floaters, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

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