Presbyopia is the loss of close-up focusing. It's not a disease. It is a normal aging process of the eye. When you are younger, the lens in your eye changes shape to focus light directly on the back of your eye (the retina). But as you get older, the lens hardens and can't change its shape as easily. It then can’t focus clearly on close objects. This makes them look blurry.
What are the symptoms?
Presbyopia makes it hard to do things close-up. This includes reading small print, using tools, and threading a needle. The first sign may be a tired feeling when you look at something close-up. Presbyopia most often starts when you’re 40 to 45 years old. But it can start at an earlier age.
Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Haupert MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 12/01/2022
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health
Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.
Explore Services
Get Health Tips & Updates
Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.
SubscribeRelated Articles
Contact Lens Injury
A contact lens can injure the cornea, but it usually heals quickly. Learn how to care for a contact lens injury at home.
What Is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an irritation or infection. It affects the membrane that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelid (conjunctiva). It can happen to one or both eyes.
Understanding Focusing Problems
Your vision depends on how light is focused in your eye. A look at 3 common problems with focusing that make vision blurry: farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye disorder in which your cornea slowly thins over time. The cornea also bulges out over time, to form a cone-like shape. Keratoconus causes nearsightedness (myopia) and blurry vision.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
Find A Doctor
Make an Appointment
Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location
Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.
Find Urgent Care
