What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia, also known as the “short-arm syndrome" is a normal part of the eye's aging process that causes near vision to become difficult. Onset is usually between the ages of 40 and 50 and it affects the majority of people. The name presbyopia comes from the Greek word presbus, meaning old man. In young people, the lens of the eye is soft and flexible. The most commonly accepted explanation for presbyopia is that a gradual hardening of the lens takes place over time. Hardening of the lens is thought to reduce its ability to change shape and bring near objects into focus.

Presbyopia is often confused with "farsightedness" (hyperopia), which is a term used to describe how the eye focuses distant objects, when the eye's focusing system is in a relaxed state.

• Difficulty seeing clearly for close work

• Print seems to have less contrast

• Brighter, more direct light required for reading

• Reading material must be held further away

• Fatigue and eyestrain when reading

Presbyopia Treatment - Eyewear

Traditionally, bi-focal glasses were prescribed to compensate for presbyopia with the bottom section of the lenses used for close work. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals to avoid having to carry a pair of glasses for distance and a second pair for reading. Today, many patients choose "Progressive Addition Lenses" (PALs), which provide vision correction for all distances. Progressive lenses do not have the "dividing line" visible in traditional bifocals.

There are also contact lenses for presbyopes called "multifocal" contact lenses. They are available in both gas permeable or soft lens materials. Another type of contact lens correction for presbyopia is monovision, in which one eye wears a distance contact lens and the other wears a contact lens for near vision.  While some people are delighted with this solution, others complain of dizziness, nausea or reduction in their depth perception.

In Summary

Presbyopia is a normal part of the aging process. Today, there are a number of
treatments available. The specific treatment chosen should take into account the individual’s age, lifestyle, occupation and hobbies. Your eye doctor is the best one to recommend which solution is appropriate for you and your particular vision needs.