THEY say life begins at 40. Great news for some but most people would disagree, especially those experiencing the symptoms that remind them all is not well, as far as their vision is concerned. Because, suddenly, they cannot read the newspapers or the tiny letters on product labels without moving it further, and further and further away from their eyes. In time, the arms simply become shorter for their eyes to read any small letters. Hence, the term “Short Arm Syndrome,” or what optometrists simply call presbyopia. It’s a Greek term that means “old eyes.”

But don’t be alarmed. There’s an explanation. Actually this condition didn’t just happen overnight. Some experts say the condition usually starts early on, in the early- or mid-20s. Philippine College of Optometrists (PCO) president Dr. Jesse B. Caguioa, O.D., FPCO and Diplomate, explains, “The lens of the eye is a transparent and flexible structure whose function is to focus light rays so you can see clearly. It can instantly transform itself and focus on near and far objects depending on what you are looking at. When you look at far objects, it flattens. When you look at near objects, it contracts and becomes shorter and rounder. In short, it’s like a muscle. And just like any muscle, it grows old. When this lens grows old, you experience gradual blurring of vision of near objects.”

If you’re noticing the following symptoms, Dr. Caguioa recommends visiting your eye doctor: difficulty doing close work, like sewing, writing, or reading; print appears to have less contrast; reading material must be held farther away for you to see; headache, fatigue and eyestrain when reading. He said presbyopia can easily be detected with vision testing and refraction.

Many Filipinos easily cope with this problem by getting a cheap pair of reading glasses that are now becoming ubiquitous, like pirated DVDs, in many parts of the country—tiangges, sidewalks that have been invaded and taken over by vendors, and even in public markets. Dr. Caguioa advises that you should first consult an eye expert as you may be in a different presbyopic stage than other people. “We should also be aware that presbyopia can sometimes complicate other vision problems, like astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. An eye doctor can ascertain the possible complications and prescribe the best solution for your problem,” he says.

He adds that there is at present a myriad of solutions that an optometrist can prescribe for an individual. And there is a multitude of brands to choose from, depending on what a person actually requires—be it reading glasses, bifocal, multifocal, or contact lenses. If you prefer contact lenses, there are likewise monovision, bifocal and multifocal contact lenses. However, as you grow old, there is probably a need to periodically change your eyewear to maintain clear and comfortable vision as the effects of presbyopia continue.

Dr. Caguioa emphasizes seeing an eye doctor at least once a year when you hit the age of 40 and even younger if you are doing daily “near work.” And if you are already experiencing the Short Arm Syndrome, better make an appointment with your optometrist soon.

Show & Tell: Controversies welcome Gabby

THE return of Gabby Concepcion created a tsunami in local tinseltown. He spent a total of 13 years in the US, sort of a self-exile, after that filmfest scam that brought his career and credibility down the gutter.

Reeling: A good film about goodness

NOT all films about goodness are good and, certainly, not all films about hope are films we hope to see. This film, Bella, is one exception. The film is the first feature for its young director, Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, and ushers in once more a name to reckon with from the Latin world.

‘The Dark Knight’ Returns

THE follow-up to the 2005 blockbuster Batman Begins, Warner Bros.’ new action adventure The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Mystical mysterious Makiling

IT was field-trip time for my daughter Cheska’s Colegio San Agustin class, and Lakbay Kalikasan, Southeast Asia’s first and premier outbound education outfitter, was tasked to organize it. Mount Makiling was the selected destination.

Philippines steps into Brazil’s travel market

THE Philippines has recently made headway into the Brazilian tourist population as it landed on the cover of the recent issue of Revisitur Magazine, a leading Portuguese-language publication that caters to the travel and business industries.

Paying the price for graveyard shift work

DENNIS CORRIGAN sometimes questions his decision to switch to a night shift 12 years ago. By working nights, the UPS truck driver from West Covina, age 52, avoids the physical demands of the day shift, when lifting boxes is part of the job, plus the worst of L.A. traffic. The 10:45 pm-to-11 am shift also allowed him to attend all of his son’s high-school football games.

Short Arm Syndrome affect people in their 40s

THEY say life begins at 40. Great news for some but most people would disagree, especially those experiencing the symptoms that remind them all is not well, as far as their vision is concerned.