Presbyopia progression is strongly linked to age, with a significant increase occurring from 36 to 45 years onward, according to a study.
Researchers analyzed 2,743 participants aged 36 to 65, assessing near vision, retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, and ocular surface health.
The study found a significant rise in symptomatic presbyopia (near add power ≥ 1.5D), affecting 14.4% of individuals aged 36-45, increasing to 73.8% in those 46-55, and reaching 97.8% in the 56-65 age group.
Among women, visual symptoms such as eye strain and photophobia were most pronounced between ages 46-55, coinciding with increased GCC thickness (P < 0.01). However, dry eye symptoms remained stable across age groups. Men did not exhibit similar trends in symptoms or GCC changes.
Researchers suggest that hormonal fluctuations during menopause may contribute to visual discomfort and presbyopia progression in middle-aged women.
Reference
Ayaki M, Hanyuda A, Negishi K. Presbyopia, Dry Eye, and Retinal Thickness in the Middle-Aged Population: Focusing on Sex Differences. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2024;16:223-231. doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S481279. PMID: 39246672; PMCID: PMC11378780.
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