Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which there is a loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens due to loss of power of the ciliary muscles. This makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Although presbyopia seems to occur suddenly, the actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years.

Presbyopia usually occurs in the early to mid-40s, as it is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. Presbyopia cannot be prevented, for it is not a disease. The first symptoms are difficulty reading fine print in low light conditions, eyestrain when reading for long periods, momentarily blurred vision when transitioning between viewing distances. Many advanced presbyopes state that their arms have become "too short" to hold reading material at a comfortable distance.