Ocular Disease: Presbyopia

A condition that arises when the crystalline lens of the eye begins to lose its flexibility and becomes more rigid, making it difficult to bring close objects into focus. Often noticeable by the age of 40-45, presbyopia is not a disease, but simply a natural part of the aging process. The loss in lens flexibility occurs gradually over a number of years.

• Difficulty when focusing on near objects

• Difficulty with blurred vision at normal reading distances - there may be a tendency to hold materials at arm's length

• Headaches

• Fatigue

The age of an individual is the greatest determining factor with regard to risk. Signs typically become noticeable by the mid-forties.

Reading glasses, bifocal and trifocal spectacle lenses, and contact lenses may be used to provide vision correction. As the lens continues to harden with age, periodic changes in prescription will occur.

Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process. It is not a disease and cannot be prevented.