Eye disease and disorders often occur without obvious symptoms. Early detection is essential for proper care. The ability to focus on reading and objects within 16 -20 inches decreases with age. The eye's focusing system includes a muscle that controls the tension on fibers attached to the lens inside the eye. As the muscle contracts, the shape of the lens changes.
Age affects the entire system.
Starting at about age 40, the ability to focus becomes reduced, and is further reduced until age 70. This is why many people require reading glasses or bifocals at about 40 years of age. The power of the reading glasses or bifocal prescription gradually increases over time. Virtually everyone can wear contact lenses. Even patients requiring bifocal or toric lenses can wear the new advanced lenses.