Presbyopia is the normal, age-related loss of near vision. From around the mid-40s it becomes harder to focus on things close up, because the lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility. It is often called age-related long-sightedness, but it is not the same as ordinary long-sightedness (hyperopia). Here you can find out what is behind it, how to recognise the symptoms of presbyopia and which solutions exist.
Key points at a glance
- Presbyopia is not a disease but a normal ageing process: the lens becomes less flexible, and focusing on near objects gets harder. Most people notice it from their mid-40s.
- Typical signs are a longer reading distance, needing more light and small print that blurs. An eye test with an optician or eye doctor shows whether it is presbyopia.
- It can be compensated for with reading glasses, progressive glasses, computer glasses or contact lenses. An eye doctor assesses surgical options.
- There is no proven way to prevent or stop presbyopia. There is no proof for eye training either.
What is presbyopia? Meaning and definition
To see sharply up close, the lens of the eye curves more. This near adjustment is called accommodation. Over the years the lens becomes less flexible and accommodation declines. Presbyopia and age-related long-sightedness are two names for the same development. Sooner or later it affects almost everyone.
Is presbyopia a disease?
No. Presbyopia is not a disease but a natural, age-related change. It is also not the same as hyperopia (long-sightedness). In hyperopia the eye is too short in relation to its refractive power, which can be the case at a young age. In presbyopia it is the ageing lens. The two can occur together: if you are already slightly long-sighted, you often notice presbyopia sooner.
Causes of presbyopia: why the lens hardens with age
The cause of presbyopia is an age-related stiffening of the eye lens. Because it can no longer curve enough, the image of near objects is no longer focused sharply on the retina. Your vision is then blurred.
The course is gradual. The ability to adjust to near objects declines slowly from early adulthood, but most people only notice it from their mid-40s. The strength you need usually increases until about the age of 60 and then changes only a little.
Presbyopia symptoms
- You hold your phone, book or menu further and further away to see it sharply.
- Small print blurs or seems to “dance”, especially in poor light.
- You need more light to read than you used to.
- After looking into the distance, it takes a moment before things up close are sharp again.
- Reading often gets harder towards the evening than in the morning.
These are reasons for an eye test, not a diagnosis. Blurred vision can have other causes. If your vision changes suddenly, please see an eye doctor straight away. How to find reading glasses that suit you is covered in Do I Need Reading Glasses? Signs, Eye Tests and Tips.
What can I do about presbyopia? The solutions at a glance
The lens becoming stiffer cannot be reversed, but it can be compensated for. Which solution suits you depends on how you see in the distance and what you need in everyday life.
| Solution | Suits you if … | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Reading glasses | you see well in the distance without glasses and only need help with reading | You put them on to read and take them off afterwards. In the distance they look blurred. |
| Progressive glasses | you want to see far, at middle distance and up close with one pair | The lens changes gradually, with no visible dividing line. They take some getting used to. |
| Computer glasses | you work a lot at a desk and a screen | They are designed for near and middle distance, not for the distance. |
| Contact lenses | you would rather see without glasses | An eye doctor or contact lens specialist fits them. |
Reading glasses for presbyopia
Reading glasses have plus lenses and make up for the declining near adjustment. The strength depends on how you see in the distance and on the reading distance you want. Many people like half-eye frames: you can leave them on your nose and look over the top into the distance. If you already wear glasses for distance, multi-strength glasses may be an option. With astigmatism or eyes of different strengths, custom-made reading glasses are usually the better choice.
Progressive glasses: far, middle and near in one pair
Progressive lenses combine several zones of vision in a single lens, with no visible dividing line. You look through the upper part into the distance and through the lower part up close. They are made individually to your prescription, and besides the strength, further measurements such as your pupillary distance are needed. At first you need to get used to them, and your optician can advise you if you have questions. With many frames you can order lenses to your prescription at Edel-Optics.
Computer glasses for lots of screen work
Computer lenses are designed for the distance at which you look at a screen and papers on your desk. They are not intended for the distance. That makes them a supplement to your everyday glasses if you work a lot in one place.
Contact lenses for presbyopia
Contact lenses can also help you see up close, for example multifocal lenses. An eye doctor measures the refractive power and the surface of the cornea and fits the lens. Follow the care instructions, check-up appointments and recommended wearing times. You can find a comparison in Contact Lenses – See Clearly Without Glasses.
Miu Miu MU 01XV VAU1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 09XV VAU1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 04UV 1AB1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 01XV 19P1O1£134.26
Ray-Ban RX3928V 2500£86.73
Ray-Ban RX3928V 2501£86.73
Miu Miu MU 09XV 16K1O1£135.10
Ray-Ban ALAIN (RX7239 2001)£60.16On our progressive glasses page you currently find frames from Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada and Miu Miu, among others. Which colours and sizes are available at the moment, you can see on each model.
Can presbyopia be prevented? Eye training and surgery
Prevention and eye training
There is no proven way to prevent presbyopia. That eye training stops or reverses it has not been shown: the stiffening of the lens cannot be stopped by training.
Surgery for presbyopia
There are surgical procedures, for example replacing the lens with a multifocal lens. Whether they are an option for you is decided by an eye doctor after a thorough examination and information about benefits and risks. Sometimes such an operation is combined with treatment for a cataract.
Frequently asked questions about presbyopia
At what age does presbyopia start?
It usually becomes noticeable from the mid-40s, a little earlier for some and later for others. If you are already long-sighted, you often notice it sooner.
How often do you need new glasses with presbyopia?
More often in the first few years, because the strength you need usually increases until about 60. Have your prescription checked regularly. Your optician or eye doctor will tell you how often.
Can presbyopia get better?
The lens does not become flexible again. Glasses or contact lenses help you see sharply up close for as long as you wear them.
This article does not replace medical advice.
