The eye’s ability to focus on close objects diminishes with increasing age.  It is caused by the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens, its continuous growth and the weakening of the ciliary muscles (the muscles that bend and straighten the lens).

Presybyopia is a condition that affects everyone from a certain age.  The first symptoms are usually noticed between the ages of 40 and 50 although our ability to focus declines throughout our life.  For those with good distance vision it may start with difficulty reading fine print, particularly if the light is poor.  For advanced cases people complain that their arms have become “too short” to hold reading materials at a comfortable distance.

Presbyopia, like other focus defects, becomes much less noticeable in bright sunlight.  This is a result of the iris closing to a pinhole so that the depth of focus, regardless of actual ability to focus, is generally enhanced as in a pinhole camera. 

Treatment
The normal form of correction for presbyopia is the use of spectacles with the strength and power being determined by a standard eye test.  If you already wear glasses then you may choose to have a bifocal or multifocal correction.  These types of lenses allow the user to wear the glasses continuously.   Alternatively if you do not need glasses for normal use than correction may be in the form of near vision glasses.

If you are worried in any way about your eyes, you can call us on 0800 9549 100 to book an appointment with an optician who will be able to test your eyes and assess any potential problems.