Presbyopia (a word that literally means “aged eye”) is an age-related eye condition that makes it more difficult to see up close, such as when reading. Like gray hair or wrinkles, presbyopia is not a disease, but a symptom caused by the natural course of aging. The first signs are usually noticed between the ages of 40 and 50, and can include:
– Difficulty focusing on small print or small objects (especially in low light).
– need to place reading materials at a greater distance to be able to focus.
– eye strain when reading for a long time.
– momentary blurred vision when going from long to short distances, and vice versa.
Presbyopia differs from myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are related to the shape of the eyeball and are caused by genetic and environmental factors.