Presbyopia

Presbyopia poses a significant public health challenge, because it affects older people's ability to maintain their economic independence. It impacts on quality of life in high-income countries and also in low- and middle- income countries where reading and writing are less a part of daily life. In rural populations of low- and middle-income countries near vision is required for winnowing grain, sorting rice, weeding, sewing, cooking food, dressing children, lighting, and adjusting lamps. Presbyopic spectacle correction coverage is, however, low in these rural areas. Uncorrected presbyopia can also hamper development. The World Health Organization has emphasized adult literacy to improve the attainment of development goals. Still, people require good near vision to be able to benefit from programs to improve literacy. While new treatments are being developed for presbyopia, spectacles represent a practical, economical option for low- and middle-income countries.