The other afternoon, I was stuck in traffic. As I inched forward at snail-slow speed I realised it was due to a police check point at the junction ahead. When I got to the end of the line, the Officer asked for my driver's license. I handed it over with an inward scowl and an outward fake smile. Then I watched him carry out a strange maneuver.

He brought the card a little close to his face and then took it farther till it was at arm’s length while tilting his head backwards, squinting as he visibly struggled to read what was written on it. Then he handed it back to me and waved me on.

Rewind...

Why was he only able to read the words on my license when it was held at arm’s length? Does this gesture ring a bell? You may have observed it from someone you know or have seen. Like your uncle when he’s trying to read the Sunday newspaper, or your boss when he’s glancing through a report you have just submitted? Or it could even be you. The thing is, they (or you) may have presbyopia. The good news is it can be easily corrected.

What exactly is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an inevitable eye condition that occurs as one grows older because the part of the eye that helps focus on objects during near work (the lens) is not as flexible as it used to be. Therefore, objects may have to be held farther away than normal to be able to see them clearly. It typically affects people 40-45 years and older (up to 90% of this age group), but can occur earlier in Africans and Asians (as early as 30 years). By 50-55 years old, practically everyone has it. Over 1 billion people are affected worldwide and up to 517 million of them are without adequate correction.

Everyday tasks which are commonly affected include reading, writing, threading a needle, sorting grains, bead making, computer work and other such activities that involve near work. Fortunately, presbyopia can be remedied with eye glasses for near work (readers), or surgery.

So if you think this is you, now will be a good time to visit your nearest eye clinic to have your eyes checked (for presbyopia and/or any other condition for that matter).

No need to go through life keeping things at arm’s length!

Click here to learn more about presbyopia.

Photo credit: http://www.okclipart.com/Presbyopia-Clip-Art30fijtzred/