Recognizing and taking charge of your presbyopia   

By Dr. Giovanna Olivares, OD, FAAO; Johnson & Johnson Vision Director & Staff Writer

Picture this: You’re sitting at restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, and the server hands you a menu. In the dim light of dinner service, you notice that the words appear blurry, so you squint. That helps a little bit, but it’s still pretty blurry. Luckily, you find that when you hold the menu out at arm’s length, you’re able to read it and choose your dish.

Believe it or not, this is quite common, and if you’re approaching 40 or older, the likely culprit is presbyopia—an age-related condition. It happens to everyone, and it occurs because one of the parts of your eye responsible for focusing—a small lens inside the eye—becomes less flexible as you age, making it more difficult to see nearby objects clearly. But fret not! Understanding the signs and exploring solutions for presbyopia will help you maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle.  

A businesswoman stands in front of a large glass window at night while working on a laptop

Signs of presbyopia

Squinting

This is a common sign of presbyopia as your eyes compensate for the decreased ability to focus.

Difficulty reading small print

Books, smartphones, photographs, menus, medicine bottles—all of these can become a challenge because of blurriness or lack of focus.

Eye fatigue

Prolonged near-vision tasks, such as reading or computer work, may lead to eye strain and fatigue.

Solutions for clearer vision

Glasses

Arguably the most common and visible solution are glasses, and those that choose this route have options. Choose from stylish reading glasses, progressive lenses for seamless transitions, or bifocal/trifocal lenses for correction needs.

Contact lenses

If you’re a person that wants freedom from glasses, you can go with contact lenses designed specifically for presbyopia. These multifocal lenses provide both near and distance vision correction.

See ACUVUE Multifocals

Surgical options

Surgical procedures like refractive lens exchange or laser vision correction can correct presbyopia. Consult with your eye care professional to explore these options and determine if they are suitable for you.

An elderly Asian woman with short grey hair smiles at her male eye doctor

Don't let changing eyesight slow you down

Presbyopia may be a natural part of the aging process, but it doesn't have to hinder your lifestyle. By recognizing the signs and exploring available solutions, you can regain clear vision and enjoy life to the fullest. Visit your eye care professional to discuss your vision needs.

About the author
Headshot profile picture of Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO

Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO is the Global Director, Specialty Platforms Research & Development, at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the strategy, design, and development of new products to support the company’s global Astigmatism and Presbyopia platforms.

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