Presbyopia After 40: Reading Glasses, Bifocals or Progressives?
If you hold your phone farther away to read it, you are not alone. Presbyopia is a normal change that affects almost everyone after about 40.
What happens
The lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, so focusing up close takes more effort. It usually progresses until around 60.
Reading glasses
Simple and affordable if you only need help up close. You take them off to see far.
Bifocals
Two zones in one lens: distance on top, reading at the bottom, with a visible line.
Progressives
A gradual change from far to intermediate (computer) to near, with no line. The most natural option if you also need distance correction.
Frequently asked questions
Is presbyopia preventable?
No. It is a natural part of aging, but glasses correct it very well.
Will my reading power keep increasing?
Usually for some years, slowly. Regular eye exams keep your ADD up to date.
Related guides
This guide is for information only and does not replace an eye exam. If you have eye pain, sudden vision loss or flashes of light, see a doctor right away.