The closer we hold something, the more focusing our eyes have to do to keep things clear. As we get older and reach the age of about 40 to 45, the lens inside our eyes becomes less able to change shape and focus for up close, and we will prefer to hold things further away to keep them clear. This is called PRESBYOPIA. Some people begin to think their arms simply aren't long enough! Reading glasses, bifocal or progressive lenses will take care of this problem easily enough.