Eye Concerns

Presbyopia is a natural occurrence in which the eye can no longer tightly focus up close.  It most commonly develops in people around the age of 40.  The name presbyopia comes from the Greek word presbus, meaning old man.

What causes presbyopia?

In young people, the lens is soft and flexible, and readily changes shape to focus. Over time there is a gradual hardening of the material making up the lens; as a result, its ability to focus decreases steadily.

What are the symptoms?

People with presbyopia often believe they have become longsighted; while they can read street signs and watch movies comfortably, they are unable to bring small print, such as the telephone book, or close work, such as embroidery, into focus. In fact, whereas farsightedness is caused by a misshapen eye, presbyopia is simply the result of the lens becoming less flexible.

How can you correct presbyopia?

People who have presbyopia can have their vision corrected either by glasses or contact lenses.