What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on nearby objects. This happens because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible over time, making it harder to adjust focus from distant to close objects.

While presbyopia typically starts to become noticeable around age 40, it affects nearly everyone as they age, regardless of whether you’ve previously had perfect vision or worn glasses.

The good news? Presbyopia is easily managed with the right vision solutions.

Common Symptoms of Presbyopia

Presbyopia develops gradually, but you may start to notice:

• Difficulty reading small print (like menus, text messages, or labels)

• Holding reading materials farther away to see clearly

• Eye strain or fatigue after reading, working on a computer, or doing close-up tasks

• Blurred vision at normal reading distances

• Frequent headaches, especially after close work

• Needing brighter lighting for reading or detailed tasks

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam.

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process. Over time:

• The lens of the eye loses flexibility, making it harder to change shape and focus on near objects.

• The muscle fibers around the lens also weaken, reducing the eye’s ability to adjust focus quickly.

Unlike nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, presbyopia isn’t related to the shape of the eyeball. It’s a normal part of aging, not a disease or a health condition.