Presbyopia

Suspended inside the human eye is an anatomical structure called the crystalline lens that allows the eye and brain to focus on objects up close. The ability to focus is a function of our both our optical system and sensory retina transmitting visual information to the brain. If the brain perceives that there is a blurry image in close proximity, it sends a motor response bringing the image into focus. This occurs by altering the shape and power of the lens by contracting and loosening the ciliary muscle and suspensory ligaments called zonules. The lens is has no blood vessels and is clear in our youth.

Beginning in our early 40's, we begin to lose the ability to focus due to many factors. Primarily, the lens increases in size and loses its flexibility and ability to change shape. If it cannot change shape it cannot focus on near targets. This loss of ability to focus is called presbyopia. Presbyopia is not a disease process and is commonly confused with nearsightedness and farsightedness, which it is neither. Presbyopia is a progressive, inevitable normal age related change of the eye. Treatment of presbyopia can include glasses, contact lenses or in some cases surgery.