Presbyopia affects us as we enter our 40s, and progresses until we reach 65. Before our 40s, the Crystalline Lens is soft and flexible. It changes its shape and focuses your vision at various distances. This flexibility gives you the ability to see things at all distances.
Around our 40s, the Crystalline Lens stiffens, making it difficult to change focus and see clearly at all distances. Often, this reduces our ability to see objects clearly at arms length or up close. This gradual loss of flexibility is called Presbyopia or “old eyes’. This is a normal and expected consequence of growing older and it affects everyone. Patients experiencing “old eyes” might find that in order to see up close, they have to move objects closer, and read material farther away to bring them into focus.
When Presbyopia begins, people who have never worn eyeglasses find they need glasses or bifocals to see up close. People who already wear glasses may need bifocals or trifocals in order to see comfortably up close. It is important to note that Presbyopia affects everyone including those who have cataracts.
If you, a family member or friend, would like to schedule an eye examination for Presbyopia, please call The Eye Center at 303-777-5455.