Presbyopia

Presbyopia is part of the normal aging process of the eye, referring to the loss of the eye's ability to change its focus to see objects that are near. Not to be confused with hyperopia, or farsightedness, which is the result of an incorrectly shaped eyeball, presbyopia occurs when the eye's lens loses flexibility. Presbyopia is not a disease; in fact, it happens to everyone at some point in life, usually beginning around age 45 - even if they've never had a vision problem before.

Symptoms of presbyopia include blurred vision at a normal reading distance, the need to hold reading materials at arm's length, and headaches or fatigue after performing close work. An official diagnosis of presbyopia can be determined through a simple eye exam.

The most common correction for presbyopia is eyeglasses with bifocal lenses. These allow the main part of the glasses to function as farsighted or nearsighted treatment while a stronger prescription in the lower lens allows the wearer to see up close. Special contact lenses may also be helpful. Although laser surgery to treat presbyopia is being performed in Mexico and Canada, it has not yet been approved for practice in the United States.

For more information about presbyopia, please contact us. Select a state below for a consultation.