1. Vision after 40

2. Symptoms Reading is blurred Eye strain/headache Avoiding close work Holding reading materials at a distance

3. Diagram of an eye

4. Presbyopia is... A lack of flexibility of the lens inside the eye and the muscles controlling it

5. Presbyopia is caused by... Age Almost everyone needs reading glasses at some stage

6. Treatment Reading glasses Multifocals Bifocals Contact lenses

7. Facts about glasses Glasses will not make your eyes weaker Glasses will need to be updated every couple of years

8. Regular eye checks Up to date prescription for glasses Check for ageing conditions of eyes –Glaucoma –Cataract –Age-related macular degeneration

9. Normal retina

10. Glaucoma Disease of optic nerve Causes loss of peripheral vision Pressure inside eye may be elevated Treatment best when early

11. Cataract Clouding of lens inside eye Usually gradual loss of vision Very common after age 60 Treatment may include surgery

12. Age-related macular degeneration Deterioration of central retina Affects close vision Distorted vision, patches missing Some treatment is available

13. Other health conditions that can affect the eyes Diabetes Hypertension

14. Presbyopia can be present along with Short-sightedness Long sightedness Astigmatism

15. Normal focus

16. Short sightedness (Myopia) Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok Short sighted focus Short sighted correction

17. Long sightedness (Hyperopia) Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close Long sighted focus Long sighted correction

18. Astigmatism The front of the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball Focusing error that causes blur in one direction

19. Regular eye examinations are essential after 40 No referral is required Eye examinations attract a Medicare rebate Find your local optometrist at www.optometrists.asn.au

20. Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focusing problems