Quick Answer: Presbyopia is the natural, age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on near objects. It usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-forties and is the reason many people begin to need reading glasses.

What are the signs?

• Holding books, menus or phones at arm's length
• Eye strain or headaches during close work
• Needing brighter light to read
• Print that blurs at the end of the day

Why does it happen?

The natural lens inside the eye gradually stiffens and cannot change shape as easily to focus up close. It affects almost everyone, including people who have never needed glasses.

What are the options?

Options include reading glasses, bifocal or progressive lenses and multifocal contact lenses. For people who want to reduce dependence on glasses, Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the natural lens with a premium Trifocal, Multifocal or EDOF lens, and presbyopic LASIK may be considered in suitable cases after evaluation. See LASIK for details.