Understanding Presbyopia

Abstract

Young individuals are able to alter the focal length of their eyes to bring focus or clarity to objects at varying distances, (a process called accommodation). However, with age increase, the accommodative process decreases as a result of gradual hardening and loss of elasticity response of the crystalline lens to the contraction of the ciliary muscle leading to presbyopia. Presbyopia occurs when the near point of accommodation has receded to the point that it is difficult for reading or other close work; without the use of corrective lens. Age is the major risk factor and the clinical signs and symptoms may begin at early forties. Inability to see fine details at the customary near working distance is the hallmark. It is neither a disease condition nor a refractive error; but an anomaly of accommodation. It cannot be prevented, reversed by medication or any exercise. Its prevalence is directly proportional to the proportion of the older persons in the population. It can adversely affect the quality of vision and life of an individual; and those involved in more frequent near visual tasks are mostly affected earlier. The management involves optical, surgical or both interventions.