Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the inability to focus on and clearly see objects that are close by.

Presbyopia is caused by an age-related, gradual loss of flexibility within the lens of the eye. Because the lens is less elastic, it cannot adequately change its shape to sharply focus on objects close by.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Age: over 40 years old
• Diabetes
• Family members with early onset presbyopia

Symptoms include:

• Holding items at arm's length to focus on them
• Blurred vision when reading close up
• Eye fatigue, discomfort, or drowsiness when doing close-up work such as:
  • Reading
  • Needlepoint
  • Computer work
• Symptoms often made worse by over-tiredness or stress

A vision specialist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform an eye exam. You will be asked to read materials at a distance that is typically comfortable. This test determines the extent of your Presbyopia.

Presbyopia is treated with corrective lenses. Lens options include:
Glasses
If you already wear glasses, you may need a second set for reading and other close-up activities. Bifocals combine two prescriptions into one pair of glasses. The upper half of bifocals corrects distance vision and the bottom half corrects close-up vision. If you wear no vision correction, you need only one pair of glasses to correct your up-close vision.
Contact Lenses
Bifocal contact lenses can correct presbyopia in someone who already wears contact lenses. Another option is monovision contact lenses. One lens corrects distance vision and the other corrects up-close vision.
Reading Glasses
If you know the magnification needed to correct your presbyopia, you can buy reading glasses without a prescription. These are available in drug stores and vision centers. They are made in increments of .25 magnification. The typical range of correction needed is from +1.00 (four increments) to +2.50 (10 increments).

Presbyopia is thought to be an inevitable part of the aging process. Currently, there are no guidelines for preventing it or delaying its onset.