An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19943.htm
Presbyopia
Overview
Presbyopia is a condition in which the lens of the eye loses its elasticity and its ability to focus. In the normal eye, the lens changes shape so that light rays from a near object are focused clearly on the retina. In presbyopia, the lens hardens and can't change shape, so the light rays are focused behind the retina. The image that lands on the retina is blurry and out of focus.
Review Date 1/29/2024
Updated by: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
