Treatment:

Presbyopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, the addition of bifocals to an existing lens prescription is enough. As the ability to focus up close worsens, the prescription needs to be changed.

Around the age of 65, the eyes have usually lost most of the elasticity needed to focus up close. However, it will still be possible to read with the help of the right prescription. Even so, you may find it necessary to hold reading materials further away, and you may need larger print and more light by which to read.

People who do not need glasses for distance vision may only need half glasses or reading glasses.

With the use of contact lenses, some people choose to correct one eye for near and one eye for far vision. This is called "monovision" and eliminates the need for bifocals or reading glasses, but it can affect depth perception. There are also newer contact lenses that can correct for both near and far vision with the same lens.

New surgical procedures can also provide solutions for those who do not want to wear glasses or contacts.

Expectations (prognosis):

Vision can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Complications:

If it is not corrected, vision difficulty that gets worse over time can cause problems with driving, lifestyle, or work.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have eye strain or are less able to focus on close objects.