Then presbyopia hangs around for life. Presbyopia happens because the eye stops growing at about age 10 but the flexible lens inside doesn't. Cells crowd together and the lens becomes less and less flexible until it can't do its job of bending to focus on close work. As presbyopia progresses, it eventually also affects the distance vision of people who are farsighted. By age 70, the lens just won't flex at all.
Optometrists can readily solve the presbyopia problem with prescription glasses or contact lenses.
The good news is that there are a lot of great lens choices today. It's a good idea to look at lens options, even though the final decision can't be made until the optometrist conducts a thorough examination and evaluates the person's specific vision needs. Eye care needs become more complex with age. The optometrist also needs to consider the way a person uses his or her eyes for work and recreation. Some people need more than one pair of glasses for different purposes.