Define "presbyopia".

Presbyopia is best defined as a gradual decrease in accommodation, which is the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. This condition typically arises with aging, as the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and elastic, making it difficult for individuals to see things clearly at close range. As the muscles around the lens weaken over time, the eye struggles to adjust focus when switching between distant and nearby objects. This results in challenges like holding reading material farther away in order to see it clearly, a common experience for those in their 40s and older.

Understanding presbyopia is crucial for recognizing the natural changes that occur in the visual system as people age, as well as for providing appropriate corrective options, such as reading glasses or multifocal lenses.