The “Eyecare Tip of the Month” is an ongoing series designed to draw upon the experiences and expertise of the local Doctors of Optometry who practice throughout Kentucky. This month’s tip is brought to you by Dr. Scott Smith of Family Eye Care Center in Lawrenceburg, KY.

“Most adults over 40 are familiar with the effects of presbyopia-blurry near vision, fatigue with reading and computers, eyestrain, and headaches-even if they may not be aware of the term. Many seem surprised to find out, however, that children, teens, and even young adults can have similar symptoms from problems of accommodation and convergence.

These problems are frequently overlooked in vision screenings but should be detected in a thorough eye exam. Not uncommonly, what at first may appear to be new onset myopia (cannot see well far away) with slightly decreased visual acuity is actually the effect of poor focusing, which needs to be corrected with a reading prescription or multifocals or possibly vision training. See your local optometrist for help with these and other eye and vision issues.”