Presbyopia is the age‑related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. It results from gradual stiffening and reduced flexibility of the crystalline lens.
Mechanism and Onset
Over time, the lens becomes less able to change shape when the ciliary muscle contracts, so additional focusing power for near vision is lost. Symptoms usually begin in the early to mid‑forties, with difficulty reading small print and a tendency to hold material further away.
- Affects everyone to some degree, regardless of distance prescription
- Hyperopes may notice symptoms earlier than myopes
- Dim lighting and small text make presbyopia more obvious
- It is not caused by disease but by normal ageing
Implications
Presbyopia is managed with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, or multifocal contacts, and sometimes lens‑based surgery. Regular eye examinations ensure appropriate correction and exclude co‑existing eye disease.
- Near prescription strength typically increases gradually over time
- Occupational and lifestyle demands influence the best correction choice
- Presbyopia does not lead to blindness but affects day‑to‑day convenience
- Good lighting and larger print can ease symptoms
