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Difficulty Reading and Older Adults

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: May 24, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The loss of being able to see close objects is a normal part of aging known as presbyopia. It is thought to be caused by a loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye. Simple and inexpensive reading glasses can help.

Presbyopia is common in older adults, as the eye cannot focus as well as in a younger person. This occurs because the lens of the eye becomes less elastic with aging. Starting around age 45, people may notice difficulty seeing objects up close. This slowly gets worse with age.

Presbyopia can be treated with glasses or contact lenses.

Back to Vision Problems and Aging

Source:

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia.Presbyopia

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