presbyopia

[prez-bee-oh-pee-uh, pres-]

noun

Ophthalmology.

1. farsightedness due to ciliary muscle weakness and loss of elasticity in the crystalline lens.

presbyopia

/ ˌprɛzbɪˈəʊpɪə, ˌprɛzbɪˈɒpɪk /

noun

1. a progressively diminishing ability of the eye to focus, noticeable from middle to old age, caused by loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens

Other Word Forms

• presbyopic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbyopia¹

1785–95; < Greek presby- (combining form of présbys old, old man) + -opia

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbyopia¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek presbus old man + ōps eye

Example Sentences

A normal part of aging, presbyopia occurs when the eye becomes increasingly rigid, making it harder to focus on nearby objects.

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Uncorrected presbyopia, not surprisingly, makes it harder for breadwinners to support their families.

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In addition to studying techniques to help treat cataracts, the researchers are applying their methods to study other major eye conditions, including presbyopia and myopia.

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Eye doctors can help advise you about the many options for presbyopia.

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After the age of 40, many people start developing presbyopia, a medical term rooted in the Greek phrase for old eyes.

Read more on Scientific American