Presbyopia is a gradual, natural condition within the eye that reduces its ability to focus on near objects. As the lens ages it becomes less flexible, making it harder to change focus from distance to near.
The World Health Organization estimated that more than 1 billion people were affected by presbyopia in 2005. It is commonly corrected with bifocals, trifocals, reading glasses or progressive lenses.
Key facts
- A gradual, natural part of ageing — not a disease.
- WHO: over 1 billion people affected (2005).
- Usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Corrected with bifocals/trifocals/readers or progressive lenses.
