- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 16, 2025
Understanding Presbyopia and Modern Vision Correction
Have you found yourself asking, “what is it called when you can’t read up close?” If so, you’re far from alone. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we frequently meet patients who notice their near vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be. This common age-related phenomenon is known as presbyopia – often described as age-related long-sightedness or far-sightedness. Let’s explore what causes presbyopia, its symptoms, and the advanced treatments available at Blue Fin Vision®, home to some of the best and most experienced eye surgeons in London, Chelmsford, Hatfield, Harley Street and Weymouth Street.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the medical term for age-related difficulty in focusing on near objects. As your eyes age, the natural lens inside them becomes less flexible and loses its ability to change shape – the process necessary for focusing up close. This means that even those who have always enjoyed perfect vision can, over time, find reading glasses become a necessity.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Long-sightedness
- Long-sighted
- Far-sightedness
- Far-sighted
- Age-related far-sightedness
- Loss of near vision
Presbyopia is distinct from general long-sightedness (hyperopia), which can affect people of any age and is due to the eye’s shape being shorter than normal. However, both conditions result in blurry near vision.
What Causes Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a result of the natural aging process of the eye. Over time, the lens becomes thicker and loses its elasticity, making it more difficult to focus on close-up tasks such as reading, using a smartphone, or sewing. This typically starts becoming noticeable around the age of 40 or 50.
Key causes:
- Hardening and loss of elasticity in the eye’s lens
- Ageing of eye tissues, reducing accommodation (focusing power)
- Not related to the shape of the eyeball as with other refractive errors
Symptoms of Presbyopia
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with presbyopia:
- Difficulty reading or seeing close objects clearly
- Having to hold books, menus, or smartphones at arm’s length
- Headaches or eye strain after close-up work
- Trouble with fine detail tasks that previously were easy
Many patients initially attribute these changes to tiredness or poor lighting, but the underlying cause is almost always age-related loss of focusing power.
State-of-the-Art Treatments at Blue Fin Vision®
Today’s advancements mean you do not have to accept poor near vision or rely solely on glasses.
- Laser Eye Surgery for Presbyopia
At Blue Fin Vision®, our top-rated clinics in London (Harley Street, Weymouth Street), offer cutting-edge solutions:
- PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision: This revolutionary procedure, available at our London locations, creates a seamless transition between near and distance vision using bespoke laser correction. Unlike conventional monovision, PRESBYOND® enhances your depth of field, maximises visual quality, and is suitable for a wide range of patients.
- PresbyMAX®: Using advanced excimer laser technology, PresbyMAX® reshapes your cornea to create multiple focal points, restoring clarity for reading, intermediate, and distance vision – all in a minimally invasive procedure with rapid recovery.
Other options such as LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and SMILE are available and tailored to your individual eye anatomy and visual needs.
- Lens-Based Surgery
For many, especially those with significant presbyopia or who may not be laser candidates, lens-based surgery offers the most comprehensive and long-lasting results:
- Lens Replacement Surgery (Refractive Lens Exchange/RLE): This procedure replaces your eye’s ageing lens with a modern artificial lens (intraocular lens), which can restore both near and distance vision and eliminate the risk of cataracts. You can choose from multifocal IOLs or extended depth of focus lenses for personalised visual freedom.
- ICL Surgery (Implantable Collamer Lens): For patients who may not be suitable for corneal laser or RLE, the ICL is implanted inside the eye to correct vision, preserving the natural lens while sharply improving sight at all distances, including near.
All surgical procedures are performed by the top doctors, leading specialists, and experienced surgeons who have helped Blue Fin Vision® earn its reputation as one of the best eye clinics in London and the Southeast.
Why Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic?
Patients trust us for our:
- Best-in-Class Surgeons & Top Specialists: Our team features some of the UK’s leading vision correction surgeons with outstanding outcomes in presbyopia, long-sightedness, and all forms of refractive surgery.
- Advanced Technology: We invest in the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies including PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision and PresbyMAX®.
- Personalised Care: Every patient receives comprehensive assessments and bespoke treatment plans designed for their eyes, lifestyle, and visual ambitions.
- Convenient Locations: With clinics in Harley Street and Weymouth Street (London), Chelmsford and Hatfield, expert care is never far away.
Living with Presbyopia
Although presbyopia is part of normal ageing, modern vision correction means you don’t need to compromise on your lifestyle. Whether you want to read the newspaper without glasses, use a computer at work, or enjoy close-up hobbies, Blue Fin Vision® can help you regain clear, comfortable near vision.
Take the Next Step With Blue Fin Vision®
Stop struggling to read the small print or searching for your glasses. Trust your vision to the top-rated, best, leading surgeons at Blue Fin Vision®. Book a consultation at our London (Harley Street, Weymouth Street), Chelmsford, or Hatfield clinics and let us help you discover the freedom of clear vision at every distance.
Your vision matters. Choose Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic – where expertise meets compassion, technology, and truly personalised care.
