What condition is characterized by a gradual loss of near vision with age?

Presbyopia is a condition that refers to the gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects, a change that typically occurs as people age. This condition arises due to a hardening of the lens within the eye, which diminishes its flexibility and the ability to accommodate for near vision.

As individuals get older, they often find that tasks like reading small print or sewing become increasingly difficult without corrective lenses. This natural part of aging affects virtually everyone, making it a common experience among the older population.

Other conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and myopia, relate to different issues within the eye. While cataracts involve clouding of the lens and affect overall vision, and glaucoma is associated with increased pressure in the eye leading to optic nerve damage, myopia, or nearsightedness, affects one's ability to see distant objects clearly. Each of these conditions has distinct causes and symptoms that differentiate them from presbyopia.