Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes' ability to focus on close objects. It's a natural part of aging that usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until around age 65.
Close up vision blurry due to presbyopia
The main reason for presbyopia is the hardening of the lens in your eye. As you age, the proteins that make up the lens become more tightly packed, making it less flexible. This reduced flexibility makes it harder for the lens to change shape and focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye.
Here are some common symptoms of presbyopia:
Blurred vision at close range, such as when reading, sewing, or using a computer
Squinting or holding reading materials at arm's length to see them clearly
Headaches, eyestrain, and fatigue after close work
Difficulty seeing in dim light
Presbyopia is not a disease, and it doesn't damage your eyes. However, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to correct presbyopia and improve your near vision.
Treatment options for presbyopia include:
Eyeglasses: Reading glasses are the most common and affordable option for correcting presbyopia. They come in a variety of strengths and can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by an eye doctor. Bifocal and trifocal lenses are also available, which allow you to see both near and far distances without having to switch glasses.
Contact lenses: Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are available that can correct presbyopia. These lenses have different zones of focus, allowing you to see both near and far distances.
Surgery: There are a few different surgical procedures that can be used to correct presbyopia. These procedures typically involve reshaping the cornea or implanting a lens in the eye.
If you think you may have presbyopia, it's important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They can diagnose presbyopia and discuss the best treatment options for you.
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