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Presbyopia

Literally “aging eye”, Presbyopia is a condition of reduced elasticity of the lens. This loss of elasticity affects the ability of the eye to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is not actually a disease of the eye, even though it may be a progressive condition. It’s a refractive disorder caused by the normal aging process where the eye no longer focuses properly.

Symptoms of Presbyopia can be similar to those of Hyperopia, including difficulty with reading, eyestrain and squinting, or headaches. A classic sign of Presbyopia is when someone holds a magazine or book at arm’s length to read it.

What Causes Presbyopia?

For most children and young adults, the lenses in their eyes are soft and flexible, allowing them to change shape easily, and focus on objects that are near and far away. After about the age of 40, the lens starts to become less flexible, so it can’t focus as easily as it once did on closer objects.

How Common Is Presbyopia?

Almost everyone develops Presbyopia to one degree or another.

How Is Presbyopia Treated?

There are several ways to treat Presbyopia:

None of the above methods is best for all situations. What’s best for you depends on your eyes and lifestyle. As your eye’s lens continue to change over time, you will probably need to have your prescription changed to a stronger prescription.

Can Presbyopia Cause Other Problems?

If someone also has one of the other refractive disorders the two (or more) conditions will act in combination. This can cause additional problems, but it can also be beneficial. for example, Myopia and Presbyopia can sometimes mitigate each other.

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