How the way we read changes with age and how to adapt to presbyopia

From the age of 40–45, many people begin to notice that reading at close range requires more effort. Text appears less sharp, reading distance increases almost automatically, and everyday tasks such as checking a mobile phone or reading a book may become more uncomfortable.

This change is usually due to presbyopia, a natural process associated with the ageing of the eye. Understanding why this happens and what options are available to adapt to it makes it easier to deal with presbyopia naturally and maintain comfortable reading in everyday life.

How the way we read changes with age

Presbyopia usually develops gradually. At first, it becomes noticeable in specific situations, but over time it can affect everyday reading.

Common symptoms when reading

These signs usually appear between the ages of 40 and 50 and progress gradually.

Everyday situations in which presbyopia is more noticeable

Many people first notice presbyopia during very common everyday activities:

• Reading messages on a mobile phone or computer.
• Reading product labels or information leaflets.
• Reading menus in restaurants with low lighting.
• Working for hours in front of digital screens.

In these situations, the brain attempts to compensate for the loss of focusing ability by increasing the reading distance or straining the eyes.

How to adapt to changes in reading

Although presbyopia is a natural process, certain habits can help improve visual comfort when reading.

Some useful recommendations include:

• Increasing the lighting when carrying out reading tasks.
• Adjusting the font size on mobile phones and electronic devices.
• Maintaining a reading distance of approximately 35–40 cm.
• Taking regular visual breaks to reduce fatigue.

These small changes can make a significant difference to visual comfort.

Solutions for correcting presbyopia

When presbyopia begins to interfere with everyday activities, there are different optical and medical solutions available to improve near vision.

Glasses for presbyopia

Glasses remain the most common solution and can be adapted to different needs:

• Reading glasses, used only for near vision.
• Progressive lenses, which provide clear vision at different distances.
• Occupational lenses, designed for computer work.

Contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are also available, allowing near and distance vision to be corrected simultaneously.

Surgery for presbyopia

In some cases, presbyopia can be corrected through surgical procedures that replace the crystalline lens with multifocal or trifocal intraocular lenses, which can improve vision at different distances.

At Barraquer, each patient receives a personalised assessment to determine the most suitable option according to their age, lifestyle and visual needs.

When to see an ophthalmologist

Although presbyopia is a natural process, it is advisable to have an eye examination when the first symptoms appear.

A visual assessment makes it possible to:

• Confirm a diagnosis of presbyopia.
• Detect other age-related visual problems.
• Choose the most appropriate optical or surgical solution.

At Barraquer, we understand that every patient has different visual needs, particularly when reading is an essential part of their daily life.

Presbyopia is a natural consequence of visual ageing, but it does not have to limit the ability to read or enjoy close-up activities.

Understanding how vision changes with age makes it possible to adopt solutions that restore comfort and quality of vision in everyday life.

At Barraquer, we combine medical expertise, advanced technology and personalised care to help each patient find the best solution for their vision.

Dr Milan Pešić, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre