What is Presbyopia? Presbyopia Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Are you starting to have trouble focusing up close as you age? Presbyopia affects our eyes' ability to focus easily on nearer tasks. This happens because the lens inside the eye progressively loses some flexibility, which is called presbyopia.

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia happens due to a change with the lens inside the eye, as it naturally becomes thicker and stiffens over time. To alter our focus from distance to near, or back again, the shape of the lens within our eye changes. As the lens thickens and loses flexibility with age, its ability to change its shape reduces. It typically starts in our forties but can happen earlier or later for some.

What are the symptoms of presbyopia?

One early presbyopia symptom you may find is that focus adjustments might be slower, or feel more of an effort. Some will notice this more in dim lighting, or if they are tired. The symptoms and when you notice the problems will vary, and some may start to experience eye strain or headaches alongside the focusing difficulties. If you experience this, contact your optician for more information.

DIAGNOSING PRESBYOPIA

An eye examination with an optician will confirm whether you have presbyopia. They will perform a series of vision assessments and health checks to confirm if the focusing difficulty is due to the onset of presbyopia. Presbyopia is progressive so regular eye examinations are always recommended to maintain good vision and eye health.

PRESBYOPIA TREATMENT WITH CONTACT LENSES

Interested in ACUVUE® Multifocal Contact Lenses to help with presbyopia?

GET STARTED WITH CONTACT LENSES

Start your FreeTrial of ACUVUE® contact lenses today.

Still have questions about contact lenses?

Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. UK residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to optician approval. Participating opticians only. See link for full terms and conditions.