PRESBYOPIA

Q: WHAT CAUSES PRESBYOPIA?

A: The clear lens of the eye sits inside the eye behind the colored iris. This lens changes shape to focus light onto the retina which allows you to see. When people are young, the lens is soft and flexible and changes shape easily. This flexibility makes it possible to focus on objects both close-up and far away. After people reach the age 40, the lens becomes more rigid and cannot change shape as easily. This rigidity makes it harder to read, thread a needle, or do other close-up tasks.

Unfortunately there is no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes presbyopia. Presbyopia can be corrected or treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery.