Presbyopia

During middle age, usually around the age of 40, people will begin to experience blurred vision while focusing close up.  Reading, sewing and working on a computer may become difficult without the aid of glasses.

Presbyopia is generally believed to stem from the gradual loss of flexibility in the natural lens of the eye as we age.  With less elasticity the eye has a harder time focusing up close.

Presbyopia occurs in everyone at some point in time, usually beginning in your forties.

Usually the first sign of presbyopia is the need to hold books, magazines or newspapers at arm’s length in order to focus properly.  Performing close up work may tend to leave you feeling fatigued, with headaches or eyestrain.

Your eye care specialist will be able to diagnose whether or not you have presbyopia. However; you will most likely know prior to examination based on your symptoms.

Eyeglasses are the most common correction for presbyopia. Contact lenses may also be worn for correction by wearing one contact for distance and one for close up. This is referred to as monovision.  Because your natural lens continues to change as you grow older, your prescription for correction will increase over time as well. New technology is being developed for treatment of presbyopia, ask your eye care specialist for more information.