Understanding presbyopia
Your near vision might be changing because of this common eye condition.
Remember when text messages and menus were easier to read?
If you've started holding your phone farther away or can't read receipts, you may have presbyopia, the loss of the ability to change focus.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes' ability to change focus from far to near. It's a natural part of life and usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s, progressing until 65.
Why does this happen?
As you age, the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to shift focus from far away to things up close, like books, receipts, or your phone screen.
The good news? This can be managed with exactFit lenses recommended by your doctor.
What are the symptoms?
Many people first notice presbyopia when everyday tasks become more difficult. You might be experiencing:
Blurry vision when reading or looking at your phone
Holding books or menus farther away to see clearly
Eye strain or headaches during close-up tasks
Needing brighter lighting when reading
If this sounds familiar, you might need eyewear designed to help you see near and far.
How is presbyopia managed?
Perfect for focused tasks like reading, crafting, or computer work.
These lenses allow you to transition between multiple viewing distances, so you can see near, intermediate, and far without switching between different pairs.
These contact lenses are designed specifically for presbyopia. They show you both near and far at the same time, so your brain can adapt and be able to focus.
Whether you're on after-school pick-up duty, reading bedtime stories, or checking your phone, your eye doctor can help find the right eyewear solution for you.
How do I know if I have presbyopia?
Your vision changes at every stage of life. This is why routine eye exams are so important: they can detect vision and health changes before you experience symptoms or discomfort.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to book an eye exam.
FAQs
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Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging of the lens inside your eye. Over time the lens stiffens and the muscle around it weakens, so the eye can no longer flex to bring close objects into focus. It is a normal age-related change, not a disease or an injury.
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Virtually everyone. Presbyopia affects nearly all adults over the age of 40, whether or not you have needed glasses before. Being nearsighted, farsighted, or having astigmatism does not prevent it.
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No. Both make close-up work harder, but they have different causes. Farsightedness (hyperopia) comes from the shape of the eye and can occur at any age, including childhood. Presbyopia comes from the aging of the lens and develops in mid-life. You can have both at the same time.
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Through a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will test how well you see at near and far distances, measure how your eyes focus and work together, and check the overall health of your eyes. No special test is needed beyond a routine exam.
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If close-up vision is making everyday tasks difficult: holding your phone at arm's length, struggling with menus or labels, or getting headaches after reading. Even without symptoms, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam regularly, because an exam picks up changes before you notice them.