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The Cleveland Clinic

Presbyopia

Introduction

Presbyopia is part of the natural aging process of the eye, and can be easily corrected. Technically, presbyopia is the loss of the eye's ability to change its focus to see objects that are near. It is not a disease. It's as natural as wrinkles, and it affects everybody at some point in life. Presbyopia generally starts to appear around age 45.

Presbyopia is often confused with farsightedness , but the two are different. Presbyopia occurs when the eye's lens loses flexibility. Farsightedness occurs as a result of the shape of the eyeball, which causes light rays to bend incorrectly once they have entered the eye.




Next: What are the symptoms of presbyopia? »

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Presbyopia

Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses »

Nonprescription eyeglasses

Nonprescription eyeglasses are primarily for people who can no longer read fine print. This condition, called presbyopia or "old vision," usually begins at about the age of 35 and progresses until about the age of 55. This inability to focus clearly at near distances is a universal human aging condition.

Although over-the-counter (OTC) glasses do not appear to harm vision, if they are not appropriate for a person's eyes, they can cause eyestrain after prolonged use.

Most vendors offer standard and bifocal lenses, and some vendor locations also offer transitional lenses that lighten up indoors and darken when outdoors. The reading glasses may be available in both full reading vision or in bifocals. Bifocals, invented by Benjamin Franklin, have a lower segment to see up close, with an upper segment consisting simply of clear glass for distance.

The quality and durability of OTC eyeglasses vary widely. ...

Read the Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses article »




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