The Artistic Struggle: How Presbyopia Impacts the Vision of Artists

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. As we age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to see fine details up close. This can be particularly challenging for artists who rely on precise vision for their craft, such as jewelry making, quilting, and needlework.

When artists with presbyopia engage in fine detail work, they may experience difficulties such as blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches. It becomes harder to focus on intricate patterns, small stitches, or tiny components of jewelry. This can significantly impact their ability to create their desired designs and may limit artistic potential.

Is presbyopia common?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, presbyopia affects approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that about 111 million adults (around 42% of the population) experience presbyopia. It typically becomes noticeable after the age of 40, and its prevalence increases with age. By the age of 50, the vast majority of individuals will experience some degree of presbyopia, so if this sounds like you, you are not alone!

How do I know if I have it?

If it doesn’t affect you now, it likely will as you enter your 40s and 50s so it is important to be aware of several signs that indicate you may have presbyopia. They can vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Difficulty focusing on close-up objects: Artists with presbyopia may notice that it becomes increasingly challenging to focus on fine details when working at a close distance. They may struggle to see small stitches, intricate patterns, or tiny components of their artwork.
• Blurry vision at close range: Artists may experience blurry or fuzzy vision when looking at objects up close. This blurriness can make it difficult to discern precise details and may lead to a decrease in the quality of their work.
• Eye strain and fatigue: Engaging in fine detail work for extended periods may cause increased eye strain and fatigue. Artists with presbyopia might find themselves squinting or straining their eyes in an attempt to see more clearly, leading to discomfort or headaches.
• Holding objects farther away: Individuals with presbyopia often develop a habit of holding objects further away from their eyes in an effort to improve focus. Artists may notice themselves holding their artwork, tools, or materials at arm’s length to see them more clearly.
• Need for brighter lighting: Presbyopia can make it harder to see in low-light conditions. Artists may find themselves needing brighter and more direct lighting to adequately see the details of their work.
• Need for frequent adjustments: Artists with presbyopia may find themselves frequently adjusting their position or the angle at which they view their work to find a clearer focus. They may also need to take more breaks to rest their eyes due to the increased effort required to see small details.

What can I do?

If you notice these signs or experience any other changes in vision that affect your ability to work on fine details, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination. An eye exam can confirm the presence of presbyopia and help determine the best course of action. This will likely include the use of updated corrective lenses or reading glasses to assist with near vision tasks.

How do CraftOptics help?

By using CraftOptics, you can regain the ability to focus on intricate elements of your work. The CraftOptics WOW Package offers the benefit of reducing eye strain and fatigue by combining surgical quality magnification and super bright light WITH your personal prescription or reading correction. We’ll contact your optometrist to get your prescription, which we install in the frames.

IMPORTANT: The magnifiers are not a substitute for your corrected vision. They are an enhancement to your corrected vision.

Your vision is corrected in the frames, THEN the  magnifiers drop down in front of the corrected vision. This enhancement of your corrected vision plus bright, direct light eliminates excessive squinting, hunching over, and straining. It puts you in a comfortable working position, avoiding visual and physical discomfort over time.

If you are experiencing any vision challenges, we’re here to help. Please give us a call at 888 444 7728 or email info@craftoptics.com with your questions.