Presbyopia

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

Did you find this helpful?

Rate this article:
70% of users found this article helpful.

Presbyopia is a condition in which the eyes are not able to focus on near objects. This usually happens at about age 45, when the eye begins to lose its ability to change the shape of the lens so it can focus on near objects (accommodation).

Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that affects most people. Besides a decreased ability to focus on near objects, symptoms include eyestrain and headaches.

Glasses or contact lenses usually can improve this condition. As the ability to focus up close worsens, the prescription needs to be changed accordingly.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007