As we age, our eyes age as well. Presbyopia, also known as age-related farsightedness, typically begins to appear around the age of 40-45, when the eye gradually loses its ability to accommodate. A healthy eye, when looking at a distant object, sees it clearly – this is because the lens that focuses light is flat. When we shift our gaze to something closer, the muscles located beneath the lens change its shape, making it more convex to focus on the near object. With age, the lens becomes less flexible, which results in a decrease in the clarity of close-up vision – this is one of the main symptoms of presbyopia. Over time, the lens becomes less and less able to change shape, making it increasingly difficult to see nearby objects clearly. The first warning signs are often difficulty reading small print in newspapers or books, and increased eye strain during tasks that involve close-up work. Gradually, we tend to hold the newspaper or book farther away to read it, and when even that becomes uncomfortable or ineffective, reading glasses or lenses for near vision become essential.
For individuals with hyperopia (farsightedness), progressive glasses may be needed. These provide a smooth transition in focus between near and far distances, without a noticeable shift. Progressive contact lenses are also becoming increasingly popular. These lenses are divided into two optical zones – an inner circle that allows for sharp near vision, and an outer ring that provides clear distance vision. Contrary to what one might expect, these lenses are comfortable to use, although they do require a bit of adjustment in how you look through them.
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