Presbyopia: The Need to Hold Your Arm Closer

Presbyopia (or “age-related farsightedness”) is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process that affects virtually 100% of people starting around age 40-45.

It occurs when the crystalline lens (the eye’s natural lens) loses its elasticity and ability to change shape. This change in shape is essential for focusing on near objects. When the lens becomes rigid, it can no longer focus light correctly on the retina for near vision.

Main Symptom: Difficulty focusing on near objects, leading people to hold their arms out to read their phone, a menu, or a book.

Common Symptoms and Correction Options

Presbyopia is not a serious illness, but a refractive condition that requires correction. Treatment focuses on restoring the ability to focus on near objects.

Correction with Eyeglasses (Primary and Most Common Method)

Description: The simplest and safest way to correct presbyopia is by using lenses that provide the necessary power for near vision.

Main Options:
– Reading Glasses (Single Vision): These only correct vision at a specific reading distance.

– Bifocal Glasses: These offer two focusing zones: one for distance vision (upper part) and one for near vision (lower part).

– Progressive Lenses: These allow clear vision at all distances (near, intermediate, and far) without visible lines on the lens. They are the most modern and comfortable solution.

Contact Lens Correction

Description: A solution for those who wish to avoid wearing glasses. It uses principles similar to progressive lenses, but with lenses that are placed directly on the eye.

Main Options:
– Multifocal/Progressive Contact Lenses: These contain concentric rings or zones that allow the eye to focus at different distances.

– Monovision: One eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. The brain learns to use the dominant eye for each task.

Surgical Correction (Refractive Procedures)

Description: For those who want a permanent solution and do not depend on external devices.

Main Options:
– Multifocal or Trifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): The natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens that offers multiple focal points (near, intermediate, and far). This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, but is performed for refractive purposes.

-Laser Surgery (Monovision): Using a laser (such as LASIK), the cornea is reshaped to create a monovision effect (one eye for distance, the other for near vision).

Who is a good candidate for a Presbyopia Screening?

If you are between 40 and 45 years old and have noticed that you need to hold objects farther away to read or that your near vision is better in very bright light, it’s time for a screening.

Risk Factors:

Age: This is the single most important risk factor.

Medical Conditions: Farsightedness (hyperopia) can cause presbyopia symptoms to appear a little earlier.

What to expect during the diagnostic process?

The screening is part of a routine eye exam.