Presbyopia is the loss of near vision due to the progressive inability of the natural lens of the eye to focus on nearby objects. This loss can be attributed to the hardening of the lens, which is inevitable with age. The ability of the lens to focus depends on its natural elasticity and flexibility, which deteriorate over time.

​Although presbyopia shares some symptoms with hyperopia, or farsightedness, the two conditions are not related, let alone the same. 

The Most Common Symptoms of Presbyopia Are

Because presbyopia is age related (indeed, the name itself comes from the Greek for “old eye”), symptoms generally become apparent at around the age of 40. The most common symptoms include:

• Increased difficulty deciphering fine print
• Eye fatigue and headaches after reading, doing computer work, using a cell phone, or doing other close work
• The need for brighter lighting while reading
• An inability to focus on nearby objects
• The need to squint in order to see nearby objects clearly
• Having to hold objects at arm’s length in order to see them clearly

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Normal Eye