Understanding the visual function symptoms and associated functional impacts of phakic presbyopia

Abstract

Plain English Summary Presbyopia is worsening of the ability to focus on close objects due to ageing. The objective of this study was to understand the lived experience of presbyopia, specifically to identify the visual symptoms experienced, and how these affect a person’s daily life. Fifty people with presbyopia (from the US n = 30, France n = 10 and Germany n = 10) took part in a face-to-face interview. The interviews took place in three separate rounds. Seven HCPs who specialize in presbyopia also took part in a telephone interview. The key visual symptoms that were reported by people with presbyopia included difficulty seeing close up, difficulty seeing close up in dim light, difficulty focusing at close distances, and difficulty seeing things close up when there is glare. Additional symptoms reported as a result of the key visual symptoms included eye strain, dry eyes and headaches. People with presbyopia reported that these symptoms caused them difficulty to read close up (both printed text and handwriting) and difficulty to see objects in near vision. As a result, people with presbyopia reported a number of other difficulties in their daily living (including using a smartphone or computer), as well as impacts on emotional, work, financial and social aspects of their life. HCPs supported these findings. This study provided an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of presbyopia. The findings supported development of a model of the key symptoms and impacts of presbyopia, and contributed to the development of a questionnaire measuring the ability to do near vision activities.

Keywords

• Presbyopia
• Near vision
• Quality of life
• Qualitative research
• Interviews