Presbyopia
Also known as: Age-Related Farsightedness, Loss of Accommodation
An age-related vision condition in which the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically becoming noticeable after age 40. Presbyopia affects the vast majority of older adults and is caused by the hardening of the eye's lens, reducing its flexibility. For digital accessibility, presbyopia is significant because it makes small text, icons, and touch targets on mobile devices difficult to see and interact with. Design accommodations include larger font sizes, adequate spacing between interactive elements, high contrast text, and zoom capabilities. Presbyopia is one of several age-related sensory changes (alongside declining visual acuity and reduced contrast sensitivity) that make accessible interface design essential for aging populations.
Category: Low Vision · aging · Conditions and Disabilities · vision
Related: Low Vision · Visual Acuity · Touch Target Size · Text Entry