What is Presbyopia?

In the developed world, presbyopia is widespread and affects increasing numbers of people as life expectancy increases. Data from the Office of National Statistics indicates that in the UK there are currently 80% more people over the age of 65 than in the mid-twentieth century and, with the median age likely to pass 40 in the near future, the numbers of people experiencing age-related health problems is certain to increase too. In 2005 the World Health Organisation estimated that in excess of one billion people worldwide suffered from presbyopia with approximately 50% not having suitable glasses to correct their vision, especially in developing countries. In all parts of the world, presbyopia is a common problem.

Various options exist to treat presbyopia in order to afford sufferers normal close-up vision and to relieve symptoms. The most common treatment is for an optician to supply the patient with one of a number of different types of glasses:

• Bifocal lenses are divided into two sections to enable to wearer to achieve optimum distance vision and improved close up vision.

• Progressive addition lenses (PALs) work in a similar way to traditional bifocals but instead of having a clear dividing line to separate the two parts of the lens, they are blended together more effectively. This means you can look into the distance or at an object right in front of you with ease and comfort.

• Reading glasses can sometimes be a suitable treatment option and can be worn only for close up work on an as and when required basis, instead of throughout most of the day. Wearing contact lenses already is not an obstacle to using reading glasses in addition, as a suitable pair can be prescribed by your optician which you can wear while your contacts are still in, just for close-up tasks.

• Contact lenses are the preferred treatment for many patients with presbyopia, either the multifocal variety or monovision lenses. The latter provide you with one lens for distance vision and another lens for near vision, which are worn alternately. When effective, monovision lenses enable the patient's brain to decide which eye to rely upon for distance or close-up work but the feedback from users is varied, suggesting that these lenses are not universally suitable for everyone.

Bear in mind that, as a progressive condition, presbyopia will often worsen over time so you should continue to attend regular eye tests. Your optician may change your prescription in future as a result of the examination.