Presbyopia and associated factors specific to age groups

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Presbyopia rapidly progresses between 40 and 55 years of age and the amplitude of accommodation is lost around 55 years of age; however, the factors associated with presbyopia by age group in relation to ocular surface and retinal thickness have not been determined. BACKGROUND: Age and other factors are associated with presbyopia, however, factors specific to age groups have not been described. METHODS: Near add power was compared among 3000 healthy individuals grouped by age; 40s (aged 40-49 years), 50s (aged 50-59 years), and 60s (aged 60-69 years). Regression analysis and comparison of odds ratios for risk factors of presbyopia determined by near add power were conducted. RESULTS: The mean near add power was 1.21 ± 0.66 D in 40s, 2.16 ± 0.59 D in 50s, and 2.72 ± 0.44 D in 60s. Regression analysis of near add power and ocular parameters indicated age, astigmatic errors, intra-ocular pressure, mean deviation, thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) were associated with near add power in 40s, whilst age, tear break-up time, and peripapillary RNFL were associated with near add power in 60s. Comparison of odds ratios for risk factors for reaching mean near add power in each age group revealed that age, astigmatic errors, mean deviation (40s only), and GCC and RNFL thickness were significant in 40s and 50s, whilst tear break-up time and RNFL thickness were significant in 60s. CONCLUSIONS: Age and numerous other factors were significantly associated with near add power in 40s and 50s, while fewer factors were significant in 60s, suggesting age-specific management for presbyopia may be recommended.