DEFINITION: It is defined as the inability to focus on close objects after the natural lens in the eye loses its flexibility with increasing age.

SYMPTOMS AND FINDINGS: Patients, particularly after the age of 40, consult the ophthalmologist with complaints such as headache and fatigue in the eye when trying to take the reading distance further, blurred vision at normal reading distance, or when looking at close objects.

Figure 1. Multifocal intraocular lens.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS:  Presbyopia occurs due to the lens having lost its flexibility with increasing age. Patients with hyperopia may have presbyopia at younger ages.

AUXILIARY INVESTIGATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS: Presbyopia can be detected with basic eye examinations to be carried out in the clinic.

TREATMENT: Presbyopic complaints are mostly rectified via monofocal, bifocal, trifocal or multifocal glasses. There are also multifocal contact lenses. During cataract surgery, multifocal or accommodative intraocular lenses are placed depending on the preference of the patient. Different surgical methods are also used.