Presbyopia is a progressive form of farsightedness that affects most people by their early 60's.

Presbyopia occurs with age as the lens of the eye gradually loses its elasticity (ability to spring back into shape). This reduces the ability of the lens to focus for near vision. The first indication of presbyopia usually is difficulty with reading.

Large print appears clearly, but small print is difficult to read except at arm’s length. Eventually the lenses of the eyes have little or no focusing ability. Simple reading eyeglasses with convex lenses correct most cases of presbyopia. Eyeglass prescriptions may need adjusting over the course of 10 to 20 years to correct the progressive nature of the disorder.