Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the natural process in which, as we age, the elasticity of the lens and the accommodative power of the ciliary muscle decline, making it harder to focus on near objects.

Recognition Points

• You need to hold the book farther away and require more light when looking close up.
• It comes with eye fatigue, dryness, and occasional headaches.
• Unlike hyperopia, presbyopia is a decline in accommodative power and has nothing to do with axial length.

Solutions

• Reading glasses: for close-up reading only.
• Progressive or bifocal lenses: cover distance, intermediate, and near vision; they require professional fitting, and the adaptation period is worth paying attention to.
• Multifocal or anti-fatigue contact lenses: an option for people who care about appearance, subject to an assessment of corneal condition.

Maintaining good lighting, a sensible reading distance, and regular breaks helps ease the discomfort that presbyopia brings.