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  health > specials > eyeWebMd
  MAIN | OVERVIEW | PROCEDURES | EVALUATION | POSTMORTEM | FUTURE |

Presbyopia

August 18, 1999
Web posted at: 12:14 PM EDT (1614 GMT)


In this story:

Description

Risk

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

RELATEDSicon



From WebMD

DESCRIPTION

Presbyopia is not a disease, but rather a normal part of the aging process in which the lenses inside the eyes lose their flexibility. The condition develops gradually over the years, causing the eyes to lose their ability to focus on close objects.

RISK

The condition develops in everyone, although it affects some people more than others. It begins in adolescence, typically becoming noticeable around age 40 and often progressing until about age 65. It is not known why presbyopia affects some people more than others.

SYMPTOMS

  • Blurred vision at normal reading distance
  • Inability to focus on small type or tiny objects
  • Tendency to hold reading material at arm's length
  • Headache and eyestrain from reading
  • TREATMENT

    Presbyopia is treated with prescription eyeglasses, including bifocals and trifocals (multiple lenses with different prescriptions in one eyeglass frame), and contact lenses. Periodic eye examinations are necessary because presbyopia can get worse, requiring stronger corrective prescriptions.

    PREVENTION

    Presbyopia-prevention research is ongoing. There is currently no way to avoid this condition.

    Copyright 1999 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.



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