Background
Presbyopia is an age-related change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects. As the lens becomes less flexible, reading and other close work can become more difficult. An eye examination can help distinguish presbyopia from other causes of blurred vision.
Signs and Symptoms
Some symptoms of presbyopia include:
- Difficulty focusing on close objects
- Need for increased lighting
- Holding reading material further away
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurriness
Risk Factors
While presbyopia is largely inevitable due to aging, being aware of these symptoms can help you manage your vision changes effectively. Other factors that can influence the onset or severity of presbyopia include:
- Family history of presbyopia
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, multiple sclerosis)
- Prior eye conditions (cataracts)
- Other refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia)
Diagnosis
Presbyopia is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The diagnosis process usually includes:
- Visual acuity test: you’ll read letters on an eye chart at various distances to assess your vision
- Refraction assessment: the doctor uses a phoropter to determine your exact prescription for glasses, which can help identify presbyopia
- Near vision testing: specific tests, such as reading a card at a close distance, help evaluate how well you can see objects up close
- Slit-lamp examination: this may be done to examine the overall health of your eyes and rule out other conditions
Treatment
- Reading glasses
- Bifocals
- Progressive lenses
- Contact lenses
- Surgical options
New Frontier: Drop Therapy
Prescription drops may temporarily improve near vision in some adults with presbyopia. They are not suitable for everyone. Dosing and handling vary by product, so follow your clinician’s instructions and the product label. Do not reuse a single-dose vial after use.
Research participants, doctors, and staff at Connecticut Eye Consultants contributed to these exciting breakthroughs in presbyopia treatment.
Doctors at Connecticut Eye Consultants who can diagnose and treat presbyopia:
- Margaret Marcone
- Crystal Seaforth
- Franc Kolami
- Frank Restivo
For more information, please visit https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/presbyopia