presbiopia

Presbyopia is a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, caused by aging changes in the lens and the surrounding structures. The crystalline lens becomes less flexible and the ciliary muscles lose some of their ability to adjust focus, reducing accommodation. It usually begins in the early to mid-40s and progresses slowly, with many people needing some form of near-vision correction by their 50s or 60s.

Symptoms commonly include blurred near vision, the need to hold reading material farther away, eye strain, headaches after close work, and difficulty reading small print or using devices in dim light. The condition is distinct from refractive errors that affect distance vision and from cataracts.

Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination that assesses refractive error, near point of accommodation, and binocular vision. An eye care professional can determine the most appropriate correction based on lifestyle and vision needs.

Treatment options aim to restore comfortable near vision and may include glasses (reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive/addition lenses) or contact lenses (multifocal or monovision). Surgical options include corneal procedures (such as presbyLASIK) and corneal inlays; lens-based solutions include cataract surgery with multifocal or accommodating intraocular lenses, or refractive lens exchange in selected cases. Lifestyle adjustments, such as improved lighting and the use of magnification, can also help.

Presbyopia cannot be cured but correction is effective for most people. The condition is a natural part of aging and affects nearly everyone to some degree, with the choice of correction tailored to individual needs.