Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of the eye begins to harden and lose flexibility, making it difficult to focus on objects up close. Presbyopia usually occurs around or after the age of 40, which is why it is sometimes referred to as age-related farsightedness.

Presbyopia Symptoms

Presbyopia is characterized by the inability to focus on objects that are closer than an arm’s distance away. If you suffer from presbyopia, words will appear blurry as you read, and you may find yourself needing more or brighter light in order to see clearly at night. Individuals with presbyopia begin to experience difficulty reading newspapers, books, menus, and other objects at close distances, even if they have had perfect vision their whole lives. Many patients also experience pain, fatigue, and headaches as a result of the extra strain on their eyes.

Causes of Presbyopia

Age-related farsightedness usually results from a loss of flexibility in the eye’s crystalline lens, which tends to harden over time. Presbyopia is caused by a gradual loss of the lens’ ability to flatten and thicken, which it must do to focus on close objects. Although presbyopia seems to come on suddenly, it actually takes place over a period of several years. Because it is a natural part of the eye’s aging process, it cannot be prevented and may worsen over time.

Hyperopia vs. Presbyopia

Although the symptoms of hyperopia and presbyopia are similar, their causes are actually quite different. Hyperopia is a refractive error that causes up-close objects to appear blurry. With hyperopia, the eye is too short from front to back, causing light to be focused behind the eye rather than on the retina. Hyperopia is usually present from birth, whereas presbyopia comes on later in life.

Presbyopia Diagnosis

Presbyopia can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, during which your ophthalmologist will conduct a number of tests to determine your degree of presbyopia and any other problems with your eyes. One of the things he or she will have you do is read a series of words from a distance that is typically comfortable. You will then try out several corrective prescriptions to determine which one will best correct your farsightedness. For more information about eyeglasses and other corrective options, see the presbyopia treatment page.

Degrees of Presbyopia – Moderate to Severe

The degree of age-related farsightedness you experience can vary greatly, from mild to severe. People with mild presbyopia sometimes choose not to wear corrective lenses, but those with moderate to severe presbyopia will need to seek treatment in order to read and carry out other day-to-day functions.

Presbyopia is part of the natural aging process and cannot be prevented. However, people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer or who do close visual work may develop more severe symptoms earlier in life. If you engage in up-close work, you can help avoid developing premature presbyopia by taking frequent breaks, during which time you should focus your eyes on distant objects.

Contact an Ophthalmologist for an Eye Exam

Because age-related farsightedness tends to develop over a long period of time, people often fail to recognize its symptoms, making regular eye exams necessary for diagnosis. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, even if you do not have presbyopia or other vision problems and are at a low risk of developing eye disease, you should see an ophthalmologist at least once between the ages of 20 and 29, twice between 30 and 39, every two to four years between 40 and 65, and every one to two years after 65. To find a qualified ophthalmologist who can guide you through a lifetime of healthy vision, consult our Eye Care Specialists database.