Presbüoopia

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition that affects the ability to focus on close-up objects. It typically begins to manifest around age 40 and progresses over time. The underlying cause of presbyopia is the natural hardening and loss of flexibility of the lens inside the eye. As the lens becomes less pliable, it cannot change shape as effectively to accommodate for near vision. This makes it difficult to read small print, thread a needle, or perform other tasks that require sharp focus at close distances.

Symptoms of presbyopia include blurred vision when reading or doing close work, experiencing eye strain or headaches after reading, and needing to hold reading material further away from the eyes to see clearly. The onset of symptoms is usually gradual, so individuals may not immediately recognize that they have presbyopia, often attributing the changes to fatigue or inadequate lighting.

Presbyopia is a normal part of aging and is not a disease. It affects virtually everyone as they get older. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected. Common corrective measures include reading glasses, bifocal or progressive lenses, and multifocal contact lenses. In some cases, refractive surgery may also be an option to address presbyopia. Regular eye examinations are important for diagnosing and managing presbyopia, as well as for monitoring overall eye health.