Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a completely natural and unavoidable age-related change in vision that almost everyone experiences as they get older, typically becoming noticeable around the age of 40 and gradually worsening through the mid-60s. Individuals begin to have trouble focusing up close and may hold books or newspapers at arm’s length to be able to read them including text messages on their phone.

When an individual is younger, the lens of the eye is soft and flexible, allowing the tiny muscles inside the eye to easily reshape the lens to focus on close and distant objects. Presbyopia occurs when the age-related changes within the proteins in the lens causes gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside the eye. As well, age-related changes also take place in the muscle fibers surrounding the lens. With less elasticity, it becomes difficult for the eyes to focus on close objects.

There are several ways to manage presbyopia depending on lifestyle and preference.