What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the loss of clarity of close-up vision that occurs naturally as people age.

How does it occur?

Around the age of 40 the lens of the eye begins to lose elasticity and flexibility. It becomes unable to focus sharply on close objects. The distance from the eye at which things can be seen clearly tends to increase or lengthen over the years.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of presbyopia develop gradually. At first you may have mild blurry vision when you read printed materials or do close-up tasks, such as threading a needle. With time it becomes impossible to read normal newsprint or book print within arm's length without magnification.

How is it diagnosed?

Presbyopia does not require diagnosis if you have no other symptoms. The condition can be verified when you visit the optometrist or ophthalmologist for a regular visit or glaucoma check.

How is it treated?

The treatment alternatives for presbyopia are simple, depending on any other vision problems you may have. Possible treatments include reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses (no lines), and possibly contact lenses. You should discuss these options with your eye doctor.

How long will the effects last?

Presbyopia is a permanent change which tends to worsen very gradually over time.

What can be done to help prevent presbyopia?

There is as yet no known prevention.