What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is specifically characterized as age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects. As individuals age, the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to change shape and accommodate for near vision. This natural process typically begins around the age of 40 and can lead to blurred vision when trying to read or do close-up work. The underlying mechanism involves the loss of elastic properties in the lens and changes in the muscles around the lens that control its shape. Therefore, individuals with presbyopia often find themselves needing reading glasses or bifocals as they age, highlighting the significance of this condition as it specifically relates to the diminishing ability to see nearby objects clearly.