How is presbyopia diagnosed?

If you’re over 40 and noticing that reading small print or using your phone up close is becoming harder, you might be experiencing presbyopia—a natural, age-related change in vision.

Presbyopia isn’t a disease. It’s something that happens to all of us eventually. But how do you know for sure if that’s what’s going on with your eyes? And how is it diagnosed?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what presbyopia is, how it's detected, and what your options are once you have a diagnosis.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It usually begins between the ages of 40 and 45 and continues to progress until around age 60.

It happens because the natural lens inside your eye becomes stiffer over time. As the lens loses flexibility, it becomes harder to focus on things up close—like reading a book, checking your phone, or threading a needle.

Common symptoms include:

Blurry vision when reading up close
Needing to hold reading material further away
Eye strain or fatigue when doing close work
Headaches after prolonged reading.

How is presbyopia diagnosed?

Diagnosing presbyopia is straightforward and non-invasive. It’s usually picked up during a routine eye exam.

Here are the typical steps your optometrist or ophthalmologist will take:

1. Eye history and symptom check

The first part of the appointment involves a conversation about your vision. You’ll be asked:

Are you having trouble reading or focusing up close?
Do you experience eye strain or tired eyes?
When did you first notice the issue?
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?

2. Visual acuity testing

This is the standard eye chart test where you read letters at various sizes and distances. You’ll be asked to read both near and distant lines, which helps determine how well you can focus at each range.

If you're struggling with near tasks but seeing well at a distance, it points toward presbyopia.

3. Refraction test

A refraction test is used to measure your exact prescription. You’ll look through a device called a phoropter, and your eye care provider will switch lenses in and out while asking, “Which is clearer—1 or 2?”

This helps them determine the correct power for any necessary glasses or contact lenses, including any additional magnification needed for reading.

4. Pupil response and eye muscle function

These basic checks ensure your pupils respond properly to light and that your eye muscles are working well together. It helps rule out any other causes of blurred near vision.

5. Slit lamp examination

A slit lamp is a special microscope used to examine the front part of the eye. It allows your provider to look at your cornea, lens, and other structures to confirm that there are no other conditions—like cataracts—affecting your vision.

Is presbyopia the same as long-sightedness?

Not quite. Both conditions make it hard to see up close, but they’re different.

Hyperopia (long-sightedness) is a refractive error you’re often born with.
Presbyopia is caused by ageing of the lens and happens to everyone eventually.

It’s possible to have both at the same time, and they can affect each other.

What happens after diagnosis?

Once presbyopia is confirmed, your eye care provider will talk you through your options. These can include:

Reading glasses
Refractive surgery or lens replacement procedures.

At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we offer advanced treatment options including refractive cataract surgery and lens replacement with premium multifocal lenses to restore your near and distance vision.

Do I need a specialist to diagnose presbyopia?

You can have presbyopia diagnosed by any qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, if you're interested in long-term solutions—especially surgical ones—it’s best to speak with a specialist in refractive and lens-based procedures, like Sharmina Khan.

Final Thoughts

Presbyopia is a normal part of ageing—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with frustrating, blurry near vision. A simple eye test can confirm the diagnosis, and once you know what you’re dealing with, you can explore the best solution for your lifestyle.

If you’re struggling to read or focus up close, don’t wait. Take our quick self-test to find out if you’re suitable for a long-term vision correction solution.