Presbyopia

When a person switches from looking at something far away to something close, the ciliary muscle of the eye automatically loosens the ligaments suspending the lens. That change in tension lets the lens assume a rounder shape and move slightly in the eyeball so it refocuses. The process, called accommodation, occurs so automatically in young people’s eyes that they are unaware of it.

Beginning in the late 30’s, something happens to the accommodation reflex. Either the lens becomes more rigid, or the ciliary muscle and ligament system loses it ability to release tension on the lens. Experts aren’t sure which. But whatever the case, many people find it hard to focus up close. Eventually, it seems that their arms have gotten “too short”. By age 60, virtually everyone suffers from this farsightedness.

So common is presbyopia-and so easily is it corrected with glasses or contact lenses-that until now researchers have scarely been interested in it. But changes in the workplace and the aging Baby Boom population may challenge that widespread helpless acceptance. For one thing, some researchers suspect presbyopia may be hastened or worsened by exposure to computers. And for the first time, experts are working to prevent deterioration in the eye, as well as considering new surgical strategies.