Presbyopia: Causes and Options for Near Vision

Why near vision changes

Presbyopia is the age-related reduction in the eye’s ability to focus up close. The natural lens becomes less flexible over time, often making near tasks harder in middle age. It can occur alongside nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Glasses and contact lenses

Options include reading glasses, progressive or bifocal lenses, task-specific glasses, and multifocal or monovision contacts. We discuss working distances and the trade-offs in clarity, depth perception, and comfort. Ready-made readers may suit some tasks, but they do not account for every prescription or replace an eye-health examination.

Prescription drops and surgery

Some prescription drops temporarily improve near vision in selected adults; they do not restore youthful lens flexibility. Suitability, side effects, and current product labeling need review with your clinician. Surgical options also involve trade-offs and are not a guaranteed permanent cure for all near-vision needs.

The earlier version of this article discussed a particular corneal inlay as the only FDA-approved option. That historical statement should not guide a current treatment decision.

Find a practical plan

Tell us which tasks are difficult, from phone reading to a computer screen or a music stand. We can tailor correction and discuss specialist consultation when appropriate. NEI: presbyopia. Arrange an examination.