Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a normal aging change that results in the loss of flexibility in the lens of the eye. This change makes it difficult to read or see things up close. When presbyopia starts, most people notice that holding things farther away will help bring it in to focus. Farsighted people are affected by presbyopia sooner, and nearsighted people may find they see better up close if they take their glasses off. Eventually, patients will state that their arms just aren’t long enough anymore, and will give in to wearing readers or multifocal contact lenses. Readers can be over-the-counter magnified lenses, or prescription lenses if needed. Another good option for presbyopic patients is monovision, which can be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK, PRK, or refractive lens exchange.