What causes near vision issues — and what can help
Learn why near vision gets blurry from farsightedness or presbyopia and explore treatments that can make seeing easier.
Reading a book, checking a phone or doing close-up computer work can sometimes get harder over time. Many people notice that things up close look blurry. This can happen for two main reasons: farsightedness (also called hyperopia) and presbyopia, which happens with age.
While both can affect near vision and even share symptoms, they are separate conditions with different causes and treatments. Here’s what to know.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness often begins at birth. It happens when the shape of the eye causes light to focus behind the retina, instead of directly on it. This makes nearby objects look blurry. People with this condition might see far-away things clearly, but struggle with things that are close.
Hyperopia is usually caused by a shorter-than-normal eyeball or a cornea that is too flat.1 That shape keeps the eye from focusing light the right way.
People with farsightedness might:
- Squint when reading or using a phone
- Get tired eyes after close-up tasks
- Feel eye strain or get headaches from reading
How is farsightedness treated?
Farsightedness can often be corrected with:1
- Prescription glasses that help focus light correctly
- Contact lenses for those who prefer not to wear glasses
- Laser surgery, like LASIK, for adults who qualify
These treatments help the eye focus better so nearby objects are clearer. A doctor can help decide which option is best based on vision needs and age.
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What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia usually begins after age 45.2 It is a normal part of getting older. As the body changes with age, so does the lens inside the eye. The lens becomes stiffer and less flexible. When the lens can’t bend as well, it becomes harder to focus on nearby objects.
Presbyopia is caused by aging and happens to almost everyone at some point. It is not a disease — just a natural change in how the eyes work.2
People with presbyopia might:
- Hold books or menus farther away
- Struggle to read fine print
- Feel eye fatigue after looking at close things
How is presbyopia treated?
Presbyopia is usually managed with:3
- Reading glasses that make near vision easier
- Bifocals or progressive lenses that help with both near and far vision
- Multifocal contact lenses that work at more than one distance
In 2023, new prescription eye drops were approved by the FDA to treat presbyopia. These drops can help some people see better up close for several hours by making the pupil smaller. A review of studies found that two versions of pilocarpine drops (1.25% and 0.4%) showed promising results in early tests.4
These drops don’t work for everyone, but they may be a good option for some people with mild presbyopia.
How to get a diagnosis
It can be hard to tell the difference between farsightedness and presbyopia without an eye exam. Both can cause similar problems, like blurry reading vision or headaches.
An eye care provider can check the shape of the eye, the way the lens moves and how well the eyes focus. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch changes in vision early and choose the right glasses or lenses.
UnitedHealthcare Vision offers coverage that can help with both conditions. For people with farsightedness, benefits may include:
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
For those with presbyopia, the plan may help pay for:
- Reading glasses
- Bifocals or progressives
- Multifocal contact lenses
Most plans also include regular eye exams, which are key to keeping vision clear and healthy. With the right care, near vision can stay strong at any age.
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Sources:
- Farsightedness: What Is Hyperopia? American Academy of Ophthalmology, October 24, 2024
- Presbyopia. National Eye Institute, December 4, 2024.
- What Is Presbyopia? American Academy of Ophthalmology, May 21, 2024
- An updated systematic review of pharmacological treatments for presbyopia. Advances in Ophthalmology Practice and Research, September 3, 2024
