Reading glasses after 40: what presbyopia is
Holding your phone further away to read it is one of the most common changes in midlife. What presbyopia is, why it happens, and the options an eye care professional may discuss.
Ocufuse teamOne day the menu seems to be printed smaller than usual. Then you catch yourself holding your phone at arm's length to read a message. For many people in their 40s, this is the first sign of presbyopia.
The National Eye Institute describes presbyopia as a normal part of ageing. MedlinePlus notes that it affects everyone. It isn't a disease, and it isn't caused by anything you did.
What's happening in the eye
Inside your eye is a lens that changes shape to focus on things at different distances. With age, the lens becomes harder and less flexible. It can no longer change shape as easily to focus on close objects, so nearby things look blurry.
The NEI notes that presbyopia is different from long-sightedness (farsightedness), even though both make close things harder to see.
When it starts
- The NEI says it usually starts after age 45, and MedlinePlus says people usually notice it around 45.
- It tends to get worse gradually over time.
- The NEI says it usually stops getting worse after about age 65.
Common signs
- Trouble seeing things up close, such as small print or your phone
- Holding reading material further away to focus
- Eye strain when reading or doing close work
- Headaches after close work
- Needing brighter light to read
These signs can have other causes too, which is why an eye exam matters. It can help to note when close-up tasks feel harder, for example in the evening or in dim light, and bring that to your appointment.
Options an eye care professional may discuss
Presbyopia can't be cured, according to MedlinePlus, but vision can usually be corrected. Options include:
- Simple changes at first. The NEI mentions holding things further away, larger print or font sizes, and brighter reading light.
- Reading glasses. Some people use ready-made readers. An eye doctor can also prescribe them.
- Bifocal or other multi-distance glasses. MedlinePlus notes that bifocals can be added to an existing prescription in some cases.
- Contact lenses. Options include bifocal lenses, or monovision, where one eye is corrected for near and the other for distance. MedlinePlus notes monovision can affect depth perception.
- Surgery. MedlinePlus mentions some surgical options, which are a decision for you and an eye surgeon.
MedlinePlus also notes that a reading prescription often needs to get stronger over time until around age 65.
About ready-made reading glasses
Off-the-shelf readers can be convenient, and the NEI mentions them as an option. They can't tell you why your vision changed, though. A comprehensive eye exam can confirm that it's presbyopia and check the health of your eyes at the same time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40 for healthy adults, which often lines up with when presbyopia begins.
See our guide on how often to get your eyes checked.
Living with it day to day
- Increase text size on your phone and computer
- Use good, even lighting for reading and hobbies
- Keep a pair of readers where you use them most, if you use them
- Take breaks during long reading or screen sessions
When to see someone
Book an eye test if:
- Close-up vision is getting harder, or you get eye strain or headaches with reading
- Ready-made readers don't feel right or you need different strengths for each eye
- You haven't had a full eye exam since turning 40
- Your vision changes in other ways, such as distance vision or seeing at night