McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
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What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the loss of clear close-up vision that occurs naturally as people get older.

How does it occur?

Around the age of 40, the lenses of your eyes begin to lose elasticity and flexibility. You may find that you are unable to focus sharply on close objects. You may need to hold things farther away from your eyes to see them clearly.

What are the symptoms?

Presbyopia develops gradually. At first you may have blurred vision when you read or do close-up tasks such as threading a needle. Later you may not be able to read normal newsprint or book print without reading glasses or a magnifying glass and good lighting.

How is it diagnosed?

Presbyopia does not require diagnosis if you have no other symptoms. Your eye doctor can verify your condition during a regular visit or glaucoma check.

How is it treated?

There is no treatment that can make your lenses flexible again. However, reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses (no lines), and possibly contact lenses can help you see close-up objects. Discuss these options with your eye doctor.

How long will the effects last?

Presbyopia is a permanent change that tends to worsen very gradually over time.

What can be done to help prevent presbyopia?

There is no known prevention.

Reviewed and approved by the Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD. Web site: http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.