Avståndsseendet

Avståndsseendet, known in English as presbyopia, is a natural aging process that affects the eyes' ability to focus on close objects. It is not a disease but rather a change in the eye's lens. As people age, the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to change its shape to focus on things that are near. This typically begins to affect individuals around the age of 40 and progresses over time.

Symptoms of avståndsseendet include difficulty reading small print, needing to hold reading materials at arm's length, experiencing eye strain or headaches after reading or doing close work, and blurred vision when shifting focus from distant to near objects. These changes are gradual and may initially be so subtle that they are overlooked.

The primary cause of avståndsseendet is the hardening of the lens. The ciliary muscles, which control the shape of the lens, also become less effective with age. This combination leads to a reduced ability to accommodate, or adjust focus for near vision. Risk factors include age, and while it is a normal part of aging, it can be exacerbated by certain medical conditions or medications.

Diagnosis is typically made through a standard eye examination. Treatment options aim to correct the refractive error caused by the loss of focusing power. These commonly include reading glasses, bifocal or progressive lenses, contact lenses designed for presbyopia, and in some cases, refractive surgery.