What is Presbyopia

When you have presbyopia, your eyes have trouble focusing on objects that are close to you, or they are unable to focus on objects that are close to you. The ability to focus the eyes from near to far is called accommodation.

Loss of accommodation is part of the normal aging process. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable after age 40 and gets worse (progresses) with age.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a loss of flexibility in the lens that covers the eye (cornea). This usually happens with age.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is difficulty reading or seeing things that are close to the face. In early presbyopia, holding objects a little further from the eyes helps you see more clearly. Over time, holding things closer will not help enough. Other symptoms may include:

• Headaches.
• Eye aches or strain when reading or focusing up close.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your medical history and an eye exam done by an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist). You will take a vision test in which a series of lenses are held in front of your eye and you read a chart.

How is this treated?

Treatment may involve wearing glasses or contact lenses, or updating your prescription if you already wear lenses. In some cases, you may have surgery to change the shape of the cornea (refractive surgery) to allow you to see more clearly.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If you are prescribed glasses or contact lenses, wear them as told by your health care provider. Keep in mind that it can take up to 2 weeks for your eyes to adjust to new prescription lenses.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery if your vision is blurry. Ask your health care provider if it is safe for you to drive.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including eye drops, only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse.

Get help right away if you have:

• Severe redness, pain, or swelling around your eye.
• Vision changes or trouble seeing.

Summary

• Presbyopia is when your eyes have trouble focusing on objects that are close to you.
• If left untreated, presbyopia may cause eye aches or strain when reading or focusing up close.
• Treatment may include glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.