Presbyopia is an age related problem which makes it difficult for sufferers to see objects that are close to them because they are not easily able to focus. This lack of focus is caused by the loss of the eye's elasticity over time.

Presbyopia is a fairly common complaint amongst people over the age of 45. If you find that you have to hold a book away from your face to be able to read it you might have the condition. Other symptoms include eyestrain and headaches.

Your optometrist will be able to confirm whether or not you are suffering from presbyopia by carrying out a basic eye exam. There are a number of ways to correct the condition if you are found to have it.

Varifocal contact lenses are often used to help correct presbyopia. They are specially designed to give the wearer good vision close up and far away. This means that people who wear them do not have to change their lenses for driving and reading.

Bifocal glasses are also used to correct presbyopia. However many people do not like wearing them because they have a line in the center of the frame. This is not the case with varifocal lenses which means that no one will be able to see that you are wearing them.

In addition to varifocal lenses and bifocal glasses, surgery is also sometimes used as a corrective measure. Refractive surgery for instance is sometimes carried out in order to correct the shape of the patient's cornea.

Although it is not possible to prevent presbyopia entirely there are things that you can do to look after your eyes. For instance, you should get them checked regularly, wear sunglasses on bright days and eat foods like carrots that contain Vitamin A and beta carotene.