Presbyopia: Signs, Causes and Options
Valley Laser Eye Centre | Conditions
About Presbyopia
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, and usually starts to occur as you enter your mid 40s. Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. It’s a natural, but annoying part of aging.
What Causes Presbyopia?
As we age, your eye’s natural lens looses elasticity so you cannot focus at near as well as when you were younger.
The Symptoms
What Are The Signs of Presbyopia?
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The need to hold reading material at arm's length
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Problems focusing on small objects and/or fine print
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Difficulty seeing in dim light and eyestrain
The Options
What are my options to correct my vision?
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RLE
This is the best option. RLE surgery consists of taking the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. You will never develop cataracts.
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Did You Know?
As we age, your eye’s natural lens loses elasticity so you cannot focus at near as well as when you were younger. This is part of the natural aging process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Presbyopia typically begins in the early to mid-40s. As the eye’s natural lens gradually stiffens with age, it becomes harder to focus on nearby objects. Many people first notice the need to hold reading material farther away or require reading glasses.
No. Presbyopia and farsightedness (hyperopia) are different conditions.
Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens loses flexibility with age, making it difficult to focus up close. Hyperopia is caused by the shape of the eye, which affects how light focuses on the retina.
Presbyopia cannot be prevented because it is part of the natural aging process of the eye’s lens.
However, regular eye exams and proper vision correction can help manage symptoms and maintain comfortable vision for reading and close work.
Presbyopia usually progresses gradually over time. Most people notice increasing difficulty with near vision throughout their 40s and early 50s.
Eventually the condition stabilizes, but reading glasses or other vision correction may still be needed.
Presbyopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam.
Your eye doctor will test your near vision and measure how well your eyes can focus on close objects. These tests help determine the most effective way to correct your vision.
Reading glasses can help compensate for presbyopia by improving near vision.
However, they do not treat the underlying cause of the condition. Some patients explore longer-term solutions such as Refractive Lens Exchange, which replaces the aging lens with an artificial lens designed to improve vision.
Modern vision correction procedures use advanced diagnostic technology and surgical techniques designed to improve safety and predictability. Your surgeon will review the benefits, risks, and alternatives during your consultation to determine the safest option for your eyes.