Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error in which the eyes gradually lose their ability to see nearby objects clearly. It happens when the eye’s lens loses its flexibility over time, usually in early to mid-40s. As a result, people start facing challenges in completing everyday tasks such as reading books or newspapers. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms and the treatment for presbyopia.
Causes of Presbyopia
Presbyopia is caused due to the natural changes in the eyes as you get older. When you are young, the lens inside your eye is soft and flexible, allowing it to change its shape easily. This helps you focus on both near and far objects.
However, over time, the lens gradually becomes less flexible, losing its ability to adjust well to focus on closer objects. As a result, the near vision may start becoming blurry, making it harder to switch focus quickly between near and distant objects.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
The main signs and symptoms of presbyopia include:
- Blurred vision when reading at a normal distance
- Holding reading material at arm’s length to see clearly
- Eye strain or headache during or after close-up tasks
- Needing brighter light than usual for reading
- Tired or fatigued eyes, especially after prolonged focus
- Difficulty switching focus between near and distant objects
What are the risk factors of presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing. However, the following factors may increase your chances of developing this refractive error earlier on:
- Existing health or eye conditions: People with farsightedness may develop presbyopia sooner. Some other health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or cardiovascular disease can also increase the likelihood of developing presbyopia at a younger age.
- Medications: Certain medicines such as antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics may affect the eye’s ability to focus, leading to presbyopia.
Treatment for presbyopia
Based on your health, lifestyle and preferences, your optician may suggest any of the following treatments:
1. Reading glasses
Reading glasses are one of the simplest and most common ways to correct presbyopia. They are designed specifically for close-up tasks such as reading or using phone, helping you see clearly at a short distance. The most common types include:
- Bifocal glasses: Bifocal glasses have two distinct sections within the lens – one for distance vision and one for near vision. There is usually a visible line between the two areas and you may need to adjust your gaze slightly to switch between them.
- Varifocal glasses: These are the more convenient option, as they allow you to see clearly at near, intermediate and far distances without any visible lines.
2. Contact lenses
Contact lenses can be a convenient option for those who don’t like wearing glasses all the time. There are specially designed lenses that help correct presbyopia while allowing you to see clearly at different distances. The two types of contact lenses used for correcting presbyopia include:
- Multifocal contact lenses: These are the most common option to treat presbyopia. These contact lenses come with multiple prescriptions in a single lens to correct vision for near, intermediate and distance visions.
- Monovision contact lenses: These contact lenses correct vision with two lenses with different powers. One eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision.
3. Refractive surgery
In addition to glasses and contact lenses, refractive surgery is also an option for some people who want a more long-term solution for presbyopia. Procedures such as LASIK or PRK may help improve vision by reshaping the cornea, which can help the eye focus light more effectively.
Before considering refractive surgery, it is important to speak to your optician or eye care specialist for optimum advise on whether it’s the right treatment for you. They can guide you about the procedure and explain the possible risks and side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does presbyopia start?
Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error that usually begins in the early to mid-40s. However, some eye conditions and medications may increase your chances of developing presbyopia earlier on.
Can I reverse presbyopia naturally?
No, you cannot reverse presbyopia naturally. It is a normal part of ageing caused by changes in the eye’s lens. However, it can be managed effectively with glasses, contact lenses or surgery.
Is presbyopia the same as farsightedness?
No, they’re not the same. Farsightedness is a refractive error wherein nearby objects appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina. Presbyopia, on the other hand, is an age-related condition that happens when the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on close-up tasks like reading.
Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
Tina Patel is a qualified Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts with over 25 years of experience in the optical industry. She is a member of ABDO and registered with the GOC. Tina holds a BSc. (Hons) in Optical Management from Anglia Ruskin University and qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2002. In 2007, she further specialised by completing advanced training in contact lenses, gaining her qualification as a Contact Lens Optician. She now shares her clinical expertise through teaching at City, University of London, guiding future opticians.
