Why do I have difficulty reading?

The crystalline lens inside the eye is able to change shape enabling objects up close to be placed into focus. At birth, the crystalline lens is like jelly and changes shape very easily. With age the lens gets bigger with added layers, much like a tree-trunk, and as a result becomes harder and more resistant to change. When this fine focus reduces, the point of focus gets further away, and people typically hold objects much far than usual. Those who are short-sighted find they are able to see better up close if they take their glasses off. This condition is called Presbyopia. Those who are farsighted tend to be affected earlier, often in their late thirties.

One of the most common reasons for difficulty reading, particularly as we age, is presbyopia. This condition usually starts in your 40s and results from a natural loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens. This makes it harder to focus on close objects, such as books, menus, or screens. If you find yourself holding reading material at arm’s length, presbyopia might be the cause.

What to Do: Reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses can help correct presbyopia. Alternatively, treatments like Laser Lens Replacement (LLR) or Presbyond laser vision correction offer more permanent solutions.

Conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can also make reading difficult. These refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry vision.

What to Do: Glasses or contact lenses can help, but if you’re seeking a long-term solution, laser eye surgery like LASIK or Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) might be worth exploring.

Dry eyes can make reading uncomfortable, causing irritation, blurry vision, and difficulty focusing for extended periods. This condition can result from environmental factors, prolonged screen use, or underlying medical issues.

What to Do: Using artificial tears, adjusting screen habits, or seeking treatment for dry eyes can help. At Centre for Sight, we offer advanced treatments for persistent dry eye syndrome.

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, can cause blurry or dim vision, making reading a challenge. This condition is more common in older adults but can occur earlier due to factors like diabetes or prolonged UV exposure.

What to Do: If cataracts are affecting your vision, cataract surgery is a safe and effective solution. At Centre for Sight, we use advanced laser technology to restore clear vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of your vision, making it hard to see fine details or read text. AMD is more common in people over 60 and can progress gradually or rapidly.

What to Do: Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. Treatments like 2RT laser therapy, available at Centre for Sight, can help slow progression in certain types of AMD.

General health issues, such as diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), neurological conditions, or eye strain from prolonged screen use, can also contribute to reading difficulties.

What to Do: If you suspect an underlying health condition, consult a specialist. Comprehensive eye exams can detect signs of systemic health issues early on.

When to See a Specialist

If you’re experiencing persistent difficulty reading, it’s important to consult an eye care professional. At Centre for Sight, we perform comprehensive diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your vision challenges and recommend the best treatment options tailored to your needs.