What is the farsightedness of old age called? An Expert Guide to Presbyopia

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly everyone will experience some degree of presbyopia, the age-related farsightedness, after age 40. Understanding this normal change in vision is the first step toward finding effective solutions and maintaining your eye health as you age. This comprehensive guide explains What is the farsightedness of old age called? and what you can do about it.

Quick Summary

The farsightedness of old age is called presbyopia, a natural part of aging where the eye's lens gradually becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. It's distinct from hyperopia, or congenital farsightedness, and can be easily corrected with reading glasses, contacts, or surgery.

Key Points

• Presbyopia Explained: The farsightedness of old age is called presbyopia, and it's a natural aging process where the eye's lens hardens and loses flexibility.

• Symptoms of Note: Key symptoms include needing to hold reading material farther away, blurred close-up vision, and eyestrain or headaches after reading.

• Not the Same as Hyperopia: Presbyopia is caused by aging of the lens, whereas hyperopia (congenital farsightedness) is caused by the shape of the eyeball.

• Correction Options: Treatments range from simple reading glasses to contact lenses (monovision or multifocal), eye drops, and surgical procedures.

• Management Tips: Simple adjustments like increasing lighting, taking eye breaks, and maintaining regular eye exams can help manage symptoms effectively.

• Professional Guidance is Key: An eye care professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and help determine the best corrective solution for your individual needs.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the medical term for the gradual, age-related loss of the eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. This normal, and often frustrating, part of aging typically becomes noticeable in your mid-40s and continues to progress until around age 65. The term comes from the Greek word for “old eye,” which reflects its universal nature as a condition everyone experiences over time.

Unlike nearsightedness (myopia) or congenital farsightedness (hyperopia), which are caused by the shape of the eyeball, presbyopia is a result of changes to the lens inside the eye. When you are young, the lens is soft and flexible, easily changing shape with the help of a tiny muscle to focus light directly onto the retina. As you age, the lens hardens and loses this elasticity, making it harder to flex and focus on close-up images. This causes the light to focus behind the retina, blurring your near vision.

Common Symptoms and How to Recognize Them

Recognizing the early signs of presbyopia is key to finding a solution and preventing eye strain. Symptoms typically develop gradually over several years. You may first notice an issue with small print, especially in dim lighting.

Typical Presbyopia Symptoms

• Holding reading material at arm's length: You find yourself extending your phone or book away from your face to see the text more clearly.
• Blurred vision at normal reading distance: Text that was once clear at a comfortable reading distance now appears blurry.
• Headaches and eyestrain: After extended periods of reading or close-up work, you may experience headaches, fatigue, or tired eyes.
• Needing brighter light: You find you need more light than before to see small details clearly.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if your symptoms are caused by presbyopia or a more serious condition. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam for all adults at age 40, when early signs of eye disease often appear. Seek immediate medical care for any sudden loss of vision, flashing lights, or black spots.

Presbyopia vs. Hyperopia: What's the Difference?

It's easy to confuse presbyopia with hyperopia, as both cause difficulty with near vision. However, the two are distinct conditions with different causes.

What is Hyperopia?

• Cause: Often present from birth and hereditary, hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat. This causes light to focus behind the retina even when the eye is in a relaxed state.
• Can occur at any age: Unlike presbyopia, hyperopia is not caused by aging, though symptoms may worsen with age. A person can have both conditions simultaneously.

What is Presbyopia?

• Cause: Caused by the natural aging and hardening of the eye's lens, which reduces its flexibility.
• Affects everyone: As an inevitable part of the aging process, presbyopia affects all people over time.

Treatment Options for Presbyopia

While the aging process that causes presbyopia cannot be reversed, its effects are easily correctable. Several options are available depending on your lifestyle, visual needs, and personal preferences.

Corrective Lenses

1. Reading Glasses: For those with otherwise good vision, over-the-counter reading glasses (readers) are a simple and affordable solution for close-up tasks. They come in various strengths and magnify print, but may not be ideal for those with different vision needs in each eye.
2. Prescription Glasses: If you need correction for other issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, your eye doctor can prescribe lenses that combine multiple powers. Options include:
   • Bifocals: Lenses with two distinct prescriptions, one for distance and one for near, separated by a visible line.
   • Trifocals: Lenses with three corrective powers for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
   • Progressive Lenses: Multifocal lenses that offer a seamless, graduated transition between distance and near prescriptions without a visible line.
3. Contact Lenses: For those who prefer contacts, two main options exist:
   • Monovision: One eye is corrected for distance vision, and the other is corrected for near vision. The brain adapts to use the appropriate eye for the task at hand.
   • Multifocal: Lenses with different rings or zones of power, allowing the brain to select the right focus for various distances.

Innovative Options

• Eye Drops: Newer prescription eye drops, such as Vuity, temporarily decrease pupil size, creating a “pinhole effect” that sharpens near vision.
• Surgical Correction: For a more permanent solution, surgical options are available. These can include monovision LASIK (which corrects one eye for distance and the other for near), or implanting corneal inlays or intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Comparison of Presbyopia Correction Options

Method	Cost	Pros	Cons	Best For
Reading Glasses	Low	Inexpensive, readily available, simple to use	Must be removed for distance viewing, not customized for individual eyes	New presbyopes with no other vision issues
Progressive Lenses	Moderate to High	No visible lines, corrects multiple distances seamlessly	Higher cost, can have an adjustment period, some peripheral distortion	People with other refractive errors who want glasses-free visual transitions
Multifocal Contacts	High	Clear vision at various distances without glasses	Requires adaptation, may result in less sharp vision, not suitable for everyone	Active individuals who want convenience without glasses
Monovision Contacts	Moderate	Only two lenses needed, can be cheaper than multifocals	Can affect depth perception, requires brain adaptation	Those who tolerate monovision well and prefer not to wear glasses
Eye Drops	Moderate (Ongoing)	Simple to apply, provides temporary close-up focus	Temporary effect, potential side effects like headaches, not long-term solution	Those who want to reduce glasses use for certain periods of the day
Surgical Procedures	High	Long-lasting results, can eliminate need for glasses	Invasive, higher risks, may not eliminate glasses entirely for all tasks	Individuals seeking a permanent reduction in glasses dependency

Lifestyle Adjustments for Living with Presbyopia

Beyond corrective treatments, several simple habits can help you manage presbyopia and reduce eye strain:

• Increase Lighting: Ensure your work or reading area is well-lit with high-quality, bright lighting.
• Take Eye Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relax your eyes.
• Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays outdoors and use protective eyewear during certain activities.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall eye health.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit your eye doctor as recommended to keep your prescription current and monitor for any other eye conditions.

Conclusion

Presbyopia is a normal and predictable part of aging that should not be a cause for concern. While it means your near vision will naturally change over time, the condition is highly treatable. From simple reading glasses to advanced surgical options, there are numerous ways to maintain clear vision for reading and other close-up tasks. By understanding what is the farsightedness of old age called and exploring the available solutions with your eye care professional, you can ensure a lifetime of clear and comfortable sight. For more detailed information on eye conditions and treatment options, consult an authoritative source like the American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process, specifically the gradual hardening and loss of flexibility of the lens inside the eye. This prevents it from changing shape easily to focus on close-up objects.

At what age does presbyopia typically begin?

Most people begin to notice the symptoms of presbyopia around age 40, though it is a progressive condition that continues to develop over time.

Can eye exercises prevent or cure presbyopia?

No, eye exercises cannot prevent, reverse, or slow the progression of presbyopia. The condition is caused by the hardening of the eye's lens, not muscle weakness, so exercises have no effect on its underlying cause.

What is the difference between presbyopia and hyperopia?

Presbyopia is age-related and caused by the hardening of the lens. Hyperopia, or congenital farsightedness, is caused by the shape of the eyeball and can be present at birth. It's possible to have both conditions at the same time.

Are reading glasses a good solution for presbyopia?

Yes, for many people, especially those without other vision problems, over-the-counter reading glasses are a simple and effective solution for correcting presbyopia. However, if you have different prescriptions in each eye, a customized prescription may be needed.

What are multifocal contact lenses and how do they work?

Multifocal contact lenses have different rings or zones of power, allowing you to see objects clearly at various distances—near, intermediate, and far. Your brain learns to automatically select the right focus for what you want to see.

What are the surgical options for treating presbyopia?

Surgical options include monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for distance and one for near, or lens implants that replace the natural lens with a multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens (IOL).