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

Derived Forms

• presbyopic, adjective

Other Words From

• pres·by·op·ic [prez-bee-, op, -ik, pres-], 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.

From New York Times

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

From New York Times

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.

From Science Daily

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

From Washington Post

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

From Scientific American