Presbyopia is the loss of clear close-up vision that occurs naturally as people get older.
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.
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.
Your eye doctor can verify your condition during a regular visit.
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. Recently, refractive surgery has also been used to correct presbyopia. Discuss these options with your eye doctor.
Presbyopia is a permanent change that tends to worsen very gradually over time.
There is no known prevention, however you can help protect your eyes and vision. Have your eyes checked regularly and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you notice any changes with your eyes.
Reviewed and approved by the Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD. Web site: http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File EYE4229F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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