What is presbyopia?
Inside the eye, the natural lens focuses by changing shape. From around age 40 it becomes less flexible, and close-up reading becomes blurry. It affects almost everyone and is not a disease.
Common signs
- Holding books or phones further away
- Needing brighter light to read
- Eye strain or headaches after close work
- Small print blurring by evening
Options
- Reading glasses: simple, inexpensive, good for occasional near tasks.
- Progressive or bifocal lenses: one pair for distance, intermediate and near.
- Multifocal or monovision contact lenses: for people who prefer no spectacles.
- Surgical options: lens-based procedures may suit some patients, especially when cataract is developing.
Get a proper examination
Do not rely on ready-made readers indefinitely. An eye exam confirms your near power and screens for other conditions such as glaucoma and cataract that also begin around this age.