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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Age
Age is the greatest risk factor for presbyopia. Almost everyone experiences it after age 40.

Premature presbyopia
However, some people can develop presbyopia earlier than age 40 as a result of certain diseases or certain drugs. Premature presbyopia can be an indicator that you have a disease you may not be aware of. Risk factors for premature presbyopia include:

  • Other medical conditions. Being farsighted or having certain diseases, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or cardiovascular diseases, can increase your risk of premature presbyopia.
  • Drugs. Certain prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease the focusing ability of your eye. They include antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics.
Preparing for your appointment Causes
References
  1. Mian SI. Visual impairment in adults: Refractive disorders and presbyopia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 7, 2011.
  2. Optometric clinical practice guideline: Care of the patient with presbyopia. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/documents/CPG-17.pdf. Accessed Aug. 7, 2011.
  3. Policy statement: Frequency of eye exams. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/ClinicalStatements_Content.aspx?cid=810eaf61-181e-41c8-a0e8-e1d122efe5a4. Accessed Aug. 7, 2011.
  4. Preferred practice pattern: Refractive errors & refractive surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/PPP_Content.aspx?cid=e6930284-2c41-48d5-afd2-631dec586286. Accessed Aug. 7, 2011.
  5. Garcia-Gonzalez M, et al. Visual outcomes of LASIK-induced monovision in myopic patients with presbyopia. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2010;150:381.
  6. What is LASIK? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/ucm061358.htm. Accessed Aug. 8, 2011.
  7. Alternative refractive surgery procedures. EyeSmart. http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/refractive-surgery-alternative-procedures.cfm. Accessed Aug. 8, 2011.
  8. Kubal AA. Multifocal versus accommodating intraocular lenses: A review of the current technology, outcomes, and complications. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2011;51:131.
  9. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 24, 2011.
DS00589 Sept. 30, 2011

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