Eye conditions
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural change in your eyes that makes it harder to focus on things close up. It usually starts around the age of 40, and almost everyone notices it at some point.
Inside your eye is a clear lens that changes shape to help you focus. As you get older, the lens gradually stiffens and loses its flexibility, so it can’t focus on nearby objects as well as it used to. You might find yourself holding your phone or a book at arm’s length to read it.
Presbyopia isn’t a disease, and it can’t be prevented. But it’s easy to correct with glasses or contact lenses, and an eye examination will show which option suits you best.
Know the signs
Symptoms, causes and who gets it
Symptoms
- Holding books, menus or your phone further away to read them
- Blurred vision close up, even though your distance vision is still clear
- Eye strain or discomfort when reading, using your phone or doing other close work
- Headaches after reading or other close-up tasks
- Needing brighter light to read comfortably
- Struggling to read small print, such as medicine labels
Causes
Presbyopia is caused by changes to the lens inside your eye:
- The lens gradually stiffens and becomes less flexible with age
- This makes it harder for the eye to change focus to see things up close
- The changes usually begin in your early to mid-40s and slowly get stronger over time
Who gets it?
Almost everyone develops presbyopia as they get older, and age is the main factor. Some people may notice it sooner because of their:
- Genes
- Eye health history
- Lifestyle
Get it checked
When to get your eyes checked
Presbyopia isn’t harmful to your eyes, but it can make everyday things harder, from reading and using your phone to sewing, computer work and seeing your car’s dashboard. Leaving it can lead to eye strain, headaches and less comfortable vision.
Book an eye examination if:
- You're holding things further away to read them
- You get headaches or eye strain after reading or close work
- You're under 40 and finding close-up vision harder
- It's been more than two years since your last eye examination
Why have a full eye examination?
- We check the strength each eye needs, as your eyes often need different corrections
- We check for astigmatism, which ready-made reading glasses can't correct
- We look at the health of your eyes and can pick up conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma
- We recommend the glasses or contact lenses that suit how you use your eyes
How it shows up
Types of presbyopia
Presbyopia can show up in different ways. Your optometrist will work out which type is affecting your vision and recommend the right approach for you.
Incipient presbyopia
The very first stage. Reading small print might be a little trickier than it used to be.
Functional presbyopia
Close-up vision has become noticeably harder, and you start to need help with reading and other close tasks.
Absolute presbyopia
Your eyes can no longer focus on close objects at all without glasses or contact lenses.
Premature presbyopia
When symptoms begin before the age of 40. It's worth having an eye examination to check for other causes.
Nocturnal presbyopia
Close-up focusing is especially hard in dim light, such as reading a menu in a dark restaurant.
Is presbyopia serious? No. Presbyopia is a normal part of getting older and won’t damage your eyes. But it can affect daily life, from reading and using digital devices to sewing or computer work, and leaving it uncorrected can lead to eye strain and headaches.
Good to know
Why is it harder in dim light?
Many people find they need their reading glasses more in the evening. In low light, your pupils get bigger to let in more light. This reduces your depth of focus, so it’s harder for your eyes to focus on things close up.
Good lighting on whatever you’re reading or working on can make close-up tasks more comfortable.
Correcting your vision
Glasses and contact lenses for presbyopia
Glasses and contact lenses are the best way to correct presbyopia. At your eye examination, your optometrist will check your vision and recommend the option that suits your eyes, your lifestyle and the things you like to do.
Your options
Reading glasses
A simple option if you only need help with close-up tasks such as reading, sewing or using your phone.
Varifocals
Also called progressive lenses. They give you clear vision at near, intermediate and distance in one lens, with a smooth change between them.
Bifocals
Two separate zones in one lens: the top part for distance and the lower part for close-up tasks.
Occupational lenses
Designed for specific tasks such as computer work or reading music, to give you clear, comfortable vision at the distances you use most.
Multifocal contact lenses
Clear vision near and far without glasses. Available as daily or monthly lenses, and your optometrist will check whether they suit you.
Ready-made or prescription reading glasses?
Ready-made reading glasses from pharmacies and supermarkets come in fixed strengths, such as +1.00 or +2.50. They’re a low-cost option that works well for some people.
But they give both eyes the same strength, which often isn’t what you need, and they can’t correct astigmatism. Prescription reading glasses are made to the exact prescription for each eye and fitted to your face, so the centre of each lens lines up with your eyes.
An eye examination will tell you whether ready-made glasses are suitable, or whether you’d benefit from a prescription.
Choosing the right strength
Reading glasses are measured in dioptres, shown as a number such as +1.00, +1.50 or +2.50. The higher the number, the stronger the lens.
As a rough guide, most people need:
- +1.00 to +1.50 in their 40s
- +2.00 to +2.50 in their 50s
- +2.50 to +3.00 by their 60s and beyond
This varies a lot from person to person. Trying on pairs in a shop can get you close, but it won’t pick up astigmatism, a difference between your two eyes, or anything else affecting your vision. A full eye examination is the only way to be sure.
Day to day
Living with presbyopia
Presbyopia is very common, and once you have the right glasses or contact lenses, most people hardly notice it day to day. Here’s what to expect.
Your prescription will change
Presbyopia gradually gets stronger over time, so most people need a new prescription every couple of years.
- Have an eye examination at least every two years
- Book sooner if your glasses don't seem to work as well as they did
- Reading glasses won't make your eyes worse. The wrong strength can cause eye strain or headaches, but no lasting damage
Driving
Presbyopia can make it harder to see your speedometer, sat nav and dashboard warning lights, which can be dangerous when you’re driving.
- Tell your optometrist if you struggle to see your dashboard
- Varifocals let you see the road and your dashboard without changing glasses
- Read our guide to driving and your eyes
Glasses that suit you
We stock a wide range of reading and prescription glasses for men and women at our Newark, Anstey, Birstall and Sileby practices.
- Classic frames and more contemporary styles
- Glasses properly fitted and centred to your eyes
- Advice on the right lenses for how you use your eyes
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about presbyopia
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural, age-related change that makes it harder to focus on things close up. The lens inside your eye gradually becomes less flexible, so it can’t change shape as easily to focus on nearby objects. It usually starts around the age of 40.
Is presbyopia preventable?
No. Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and happens to almost everyone. A balanced diet, regular exercise and not smoking are good for your overall eye health, but they won’t stop presbyopia developing. The good news is that it’s easy to correct.
Do I have to wear glasses if I have presbyopia?
Glasses and contact lenses are the best way to correct presbyopia. Depending on your eyes and lifestyle, that could be reading glasses, varifocals, bifocals, occupational lenses or multifocal contact lenses. Your optometrist will help you choose the right option.
Do I need reading glasses if I'm under 40?
It’s less common, but not impossible. Presbyopia usually starts in your early to mid-40s, though some people notice changes earlier. If you’re finding close-up vision harder at a younger age, it’s worth having an eye examination to check for other causes.
Will presbyopia affect my distance vision?
Presbyopia mainly affects your near vision. But as it progresses, you may find it harder to switch focus between near and far. If your distance vision has changed too, varifocals or bifocals may suit you better than reading glasses alone.
Can presbyopia be a sign of other eye conditions?
Presbyopia itself is a natural part of ageing. But a full eye examination also checks the health of your eyes and can pick up other conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma, that may need attention.
Why do I need my reading glasses more at night?
In low light, your pupils get bigger to let in more light. This reduces your depth of focus and makes it harder for your eyes to focus on things close up, so you may rely on your reading glasses more in the evening or in dim rooms.
Can I just buy reading glasses from a pharmacy or supermarket?
You can, and for some people they work well. But ready-made glasses have the same strength in both lenses, so if your eyes need different corrections or you have astigmatism, they won’t give you the clearest vision. An eye examination will tell you whether they’re suitable for you.
Can reading glasses make my eyesight worse?
No. Reading glasses correct your vision for close-up tasks. They don’t change the health of your eyes or make presbyopia progress faster. Wearing the wrong strength might cause temporary eye strain or headaches, but it won’t cause any lasting damage.
Can I wear contact lenses for presbyopia?
Yes. Multifocal contact lenses give you clear vision at near and far without glasses, and they’re available as daily or monthly lenses. They don’t suit everyone, so your optometrist will check whether they’re right for you.
Medically reviewed by Amar-Kaash Gandecha, BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Glauc, Director and Optometrist. Last reviewed 19 August 2026.
Struggling to read up close?
Book an eye examination at our Newark, Anstey, Birstall or Sileby practice and we’ll find the right glasses or contact lenses for you. Presbyopia comes on gradually, so if your vision changes suddenly, contact your GP or go to A&E straight away.