Presbyopia and vision

This is a break down of the typical reading add prescriptions for presbyopia by age. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and individual needs can vary significantly based on factors like:

Working Distance: How far away you typically hold reading material.
Visual Demands: What kind of close work you do (e.g., reading fine print, computer use).
Individual Accommodation: The remaining ability of your eyes to focus.
Refractive Error: Whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism before presbyopia sets in.

General Trend:

As presbyopia progresses, the reading add power increases to compensate for the lens's decreasing ability to focus on near objects.

Typical Add Powers by Age (Approximate):

40-44: +0.75 to +1.00 diopters (D) - This is often where people first notice near vision blur.
45-49: +1.00 to +1.50 D
50-54: +1.50 to +2.00 D
55-59: +2.00 to +2.50 D
60-65: +2.50 to +2.75 D
65+: +2.75 to +3.00 D - The progression usually slows down significantly around this point. It's rare to need more than +3.00D for standard reading distances.

Important Considerations and Caveats:

These are averages. Some people may need slightly more or less than these values.
Progression is not linear. The rate of change in add power can vary from person to person.
Regular eye exams are crucial. An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will determine the correct add power based on a comprehensive eye exam. Self-diagnosing and buying over-the-counter readers can work in some cases, but it's best to get a professional assessment.
Computer Use: If you spend a lot of time on a computer, you might need a slightly different add power than for reading a book, as the typical computer screen distance is farther than reading distance. This is often addressed with progressive lenses, bifocals, or computer glasses.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism will affect the prescription.
Nearsightedness: Nearsighted individuals may remove their glasses to read comfortably for a longer period before needing reading glasses.
Farsightedness: Farsighted individuals may need reading glasses earlier.

In Summary:

While this table provides a general idea, it's not a substitute for a professional eye exam. If you're experiencing blurry near vision, see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and prescription.