A Place in The Sun's Jean Johannsson says 'took me so long' as she shares life-changing health diagnosis

A Place in The Sun's Jean Johannsson has been diagnosed with presbyopia - a condition that gradually reduces the eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. After years of being in denial about her deteriorating vision, 42 year old Jean finally sought help from an optician and received the news she had been dreading.

Since her diagnosis however, the property expert has described the experience as "life-changing." She shared: "I'm not entirely sure why it took me so long to admit I needed glasses.

"I suppose it's partly to do with fighting the ageing process, but I've accepted that I'm getting older and my vision deteriorating is part of that." Since purchasing her new spectacles, Jean has been "enjoying a whole new world of not having to squint" when reading scripts or text messages.

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"I'm [also] no longer stealing my mum's glasses to read a menu in a restaurant," she shared in her Sunday Mail column. "I doubt if I'll be joining Jennifer Aniston and Rihanna as the world's sexiest spec wearers, but I love my new frames and I think that they look great."

Jean is now encouraging others who are struggling with their vision to book an eye test as soon as possible. According to Mayo Clinic, presbyopia is a natural part of the ageing process that typically becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until around the age of 65.

The website advises: "You may become aware of presbyopia when you start holding books and newspapers at arm's length to be able to read them. A basic eye exam can confirm presbyopia.

"You can correct the condition with eyeglasses or contact lenses. You might also consider surgery."

If reading becomes blurred at a normal distance, it could be a sign of presbyopia an issue causing eyestrain and headaches after close-up tasks. Fatigue and dim light often exacerbate the problem.