At what age does presbyopia typically begin to affect individuals?

Presbyopia typically begins to affect individuals around the age of 40. This age marks a point when the lens of the eye starts to lose its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition is a normal part of aging and is experienced by most people as they reach middle age. At around 40, individuals may notice that they have to hold reading material farther away to see it clearly, which is a hallmark sign of presbyopia.

As people age further into their 50s and 60s, the effects of presbyopia can become more pronounced, but the initial onset generally occurs around the age of 40. This understanding is vital for recognizing normal age-related changes in vision and planning for optical corrections, such as reading glasses or multifocal lenses, if necessary.