Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

What is the loss of ability to see clearly at near called?

1. Ametropia

2. Astigmatism

3. Hyperopia

4. Presbyopia

The correct answer is: Presbyopia

The loss of ability to see clearly at near is referred to as presbyopia. This condition typically occurs as a natural part of the aging process, usually starting in the early to mid-40s. It results from a decrease in the elasticity of the lens of the eye, making it more difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is distinct from other refractive errors such as ametropia, which is a general term for vision conditions where the eye cannot clearly focus on images, or astigmatism, which arises from an irregular shape of the cornea or lens causing distorted vision at all distances. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, refers specifically to difficulty seeing objects up close, which can occur in younger individuals as well but is typically present due to the eye's shape rather than age-related changes. In contrast, presbyopia is a condition primarily associated with aging and affects everyone eventually, highlighting its unique nature compared to these other conditions.