WEST Somerset residents are being advised to have their eyes checked for a little-known condition from which they may be suffering without realising it.

Research by Specsavers showed three-quarters of over-35s in Somerset could be displaying at least one of the signs associated with presbyopia, despite half of them believing their eyesight was good.

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects and is a natural part of ageing.

Holding something at arm’s length to read it, increasing the font size on a mobile phone, and asking to borrow people’s glasses were some of the most common behaviours Somerset residents adopted to compensate for a change in their vision.

Specsavers Minehead director Paul Bradford said: “Most of us will experience some effects of presbyopia as we age because of subtle changes in the lens of our eye.

“However, it really is not something to worry about, but it is important to see an optician if you experience any changes in your vision.

“There are a variety of solutions on offer, including reading glasses, varifocals, multifocal contact lenses, or a combination of both, depending on what you prefer.

“Your optician can recommend the best treatment for you, so we would recommend booking an eye test if you are experiencing any symptoms.”

Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in people in their mid to late 40s and gradually worsens until 65.

An optician checks vision in the same way they would determine whether someone was short-sighted or ‘myopic’.