Presbyopia is the gradual reduction in the amount that the eye can change its focus.

It is a normal part of aging, and usually becomes noticeable between the ages of 40 and 50 as an inability to focus on near objects. People in this age group often find that they have to hold things further away to see them clearly.

Close tasks, particularly in low light can become difficult. It does not affect your distance vision. You may also have difficulty concentrating when reading or you may find periods of close work result in sore eyes, headaches or tiredness.

With age the lens inside your eye loses its flexibility and is less able to change its shape. This is a completely normal ageing change, just like stiffening joints, or grey hair. The loss of lens flexibility is the reason that close focusing becomes more difficult.

The aging process is gradual and will continue to change between the ages of 45 and 65.  Wearing glasses to assist your vision will not speed up this process, or make it worse. Presbyopia will continue regardless of whether spectacles are worn.

In store we can discuss a range of spectacle lenses that will assist your particular needs – including reading, computer work and other close tasks.