Presbyopia

“We now have increasingly personalised solutions for presbyopia, allowing us to tailor treatment to each patient’s visual needs and lifestyle.”
– Dr Miguel Ángel Serra, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Hospital Ascires

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia, also known as age-related long-sightedness or age-related loss of near vision, is a natural age-related change in vision that makes it difficult to focus clearly on nearby objects. It occurs because the crystalline lens, the eye’s natural lens, gradually loses its flexibility and ability to change focus over time.

It is a very common condition that usually begins to develop from the age of 40 to 45 and progresses gradually until stabilising at around the age of 60.

Although presbyopia is not a disease and cannot be prevented, it can be effectively corrected with a range of treatments that restore clear near vision and improve quality of life.

Ophthalmology at Ascires

To book an appointment, please call +34 963 87 30 50.

If you have presbyopia or think you may have presbyopia, your case will be individually assessed by our team of Ophthalmology specialists at Ascires, who will provide a highly accurate diagnosis and recommend the treatment that offers the best possible outcomes.

When should you see a specialist?

It is advisable to consult an Ophthalmology specialist when your near vision begins to interfere with everyday activities or when you develop symptoms that affect your quality of life.

You should arrange an ophthalmic assessment if you experience:

  • Difficulty reading books, documents or screens at close range.
  • The need to hold objects further away in order to see them clearly.
  • Frequent eye strain.
  • Headaches associated with visual effort.
  • Changes in the quality of your vision that interfere with work or daily activities.

In addition to confirming the diagnosis of presbyopia, a comprehensive eye examination can identify other age-related eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

At the Ophthalmology Department of Hospital Ascires in Valencia, we combine state-of-the-art medical technology with a highly specialised team to provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for presbyopia.

Symptoms of presbyopia

Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time.

The most common signs include:

  • Difficulty reading small print.
  • The need to hold reading material or mobile devices further away in order to focus.
  • Blurred vision when carrying out close-up tasks.
  • Eye strain after reading or working for prolonged periods.
  • Headaches related to visual effort.
  • The need for brighter lighting when reading or performing tasks that require precision.

These symptoms may interfere with everyday activities such as reading, using a mobile phone, working on a computer or sewing.

Causes and risk factors for presbyopia

Presbyopia is part of the natural ageing process of the eye and is associated with the gradual loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens.

Certain factors may contribute to an earlier onset or make the symptoms more noticeable, including:

  • Being over the age of 40.
  • Pre-existing hyperopia (long-sightedness).
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
  • Certain medications.
  • Activities that require prolonged or intensive near vision.

Presbyopia affects almost everyone at some point in life, regardless of whether they have previously experienced vision problems.

Diagnosis of presbyopia

Presbyopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.

During the consultation, the specialist will assess:

  • Distance and near visual acuity.
  • The eye’s ability to focus.
  • The prescription required to correct the refractive error.
  • The overall health of the eyes.

These tests allow the degree of presbyopia to be determined and help identify the most appropriate treatment option for each patient.

Treatment for presbyopia

A range of treatment options is currently available to correct presbyopia and improve near vision.

Glasses

Reading glasses are the most common solution for compensating for the loss of near focusing ability. Progressive or multifocal lenses may also be prescribed when other refractive errors are present.

Contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses correct both near and distance vision, providing an alternative to glasses for selected patients.

Presbyopia surgery

Refractive surgery may be an option for reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Several surgical techniques are available and can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs, including:

  • Intraocular lens implantation.
  • Corneal laser surgery in selected cases.
  • Combined procedures to correct associated refractive errors.

The choice of treatment will depend on the patient’s age, visual needs, eye health and individual expectations.

Benefits of treating presbyopia

Appropriate correction of presbyopia can:

  • Restore clear near vision.
  • Reduce eye strain.
  • Improve performance at work and during study.
  • Make reading and using electronic devices easier.
  • Enhance everyday comfort and quality of life.

Prevention and eye examinations

Presbyopia is a natural consequence of the ageing process and cannot be prevented. However, regular eye examinations allow it to be diagnosed at an early stage and help determine the most appropriate corrective option for each patient.

These examinations also help detect other age-related eye conditions before they cause symptoms or affect vision.

Regular ophthalmic follow-up contributes to maintaining good visual health and preserving quality of life over the years.