Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural part of the ageing process and makes reading small print more difficult, usually in those over 48 years of age.

Presbyopia occurs because the lens in the eye, which controls our near focus, becomes harder and less able to change shape.  As such, in presbyopia the lens cannot alter the focus of the eye from distance to close objects (e.g. reading, computer).  People with presbyopia often require reading or multifocal glasses.

Sometimes people confuse long-sightedness with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems, but for different reasons.