Presbyopia is a normal part of the aging process and typically starts in your 40s. Until we reach our 40s, the lens of the eye is soft and flexible, allowing the eye to focus on distant and near objects seamlessly and without effort.
As we age, the lens of the eye loses its flexibility and loses the ability to focus light directly on the retina, and instead focuses behind the retina. This makes it harder to read small print or focus on near objects. Everyone experiences some loss of focusing power for near objects as they age, but some will notice this more than others.
Symptoms
- Small print becomes hard to read
- Objects and print are clearer at a distance than close up
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
Diagnosis
Presbyopia can be diagnosed with a during a comprehensive eye exam. We recommend regular eye exams for anyone over 40 to check for this and other age-related eye conditions.
Treatment Options
Presbyopia can be remedied by the use of reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses or contact lenses. Siskiyou Eye Center will help you decide the best treatment option for you.