Presbyopia develops because the crystalline lens inside the eye gradually loses flexibility with age, and the muscles that change its shape become less effective. This reduces the eye’s ability to increase focusing power for near tasks.
Lens and Muscle Changes
Over time, lens fibres become more densely packed and the lens hardens. The ciliary muscle still contracts, but the lens can no longer reshape as easily, so near focus becomes difficult.
- A normal, age-related process affecting virtually everyone
- Unrelated to eye colour or general health in most cases
- Can occur slightly earlier in some individuals and later in others
Other Contributing Factors
Refractive status influences how presbyopia is noticed: hyperopes lose near vision sooner, while mild myopes can sometimes remove their distance glasses to read comfortably for longer.
Further Information
Blue Fin Vision® explains the mechanisms and modern treatment options in blog articles such as what is presbyopia? and their guides on laser eye surgery for presbyopia.
