What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia:

You now need reading glasses due to age related changes to the lens in the eye

Presbyopia is commonly represented by an “Add” power on a glasses prescription, such as add: +1.25 or +2.50. Similar to the powers of over the counter reading glasses. 

Presbyopia is a common condition for folks over the age of 40. At some point late 30s/early 40s, the focusing system starts to change- the lens inside the eye becomes denser and it becomes more difficult for the lens to magnify for up close vision. It also becomes more difficult for the lens to switch from looking up close to far and far to close. People that have occupations that involve a lot of fine detail up close may need reading glasses early or more frequently. 

Common symptoms include blurry vision at near, eye strain, and headaches.

Treatment options include glasses (single vision, bifocals or progressives), contact lenses (multifocal or monovision), or refractive surgery.