Presbyopia among normal individuals.

BACKGROUND

To define ocular variables that might affect the need for early use of reading glasses.

METHODS

A retrospective, non-randomized clinical trial was conducted at an aero-medical center. The charts of 100 healthy male pilots who suffered from presbyopia were reviewed. All subjects had undergone a complete eye examination every year for 30 years. Ocular parameters measured at the ages of 20, 30, 40, 45, and 50 years were recorded. Individuals were divided into two groups: those who needed reading glasses at the age of 45 years or earlier (group 1) and those who had needed reading glasses after 45 years of age (group 2).

RESULTS

Of all the ocular variables examined each year, two differed significantly between the two groups. Refraction at age 20 was 0.1+/- 0.3 D in group 1 and 0.0 +/- 0.3 D in group 2 ( P <0.05). Amplitude of accommodation at age 20 was 9.5 +/- 1.2 D in group 1 and 9.9 +/- 1.0 D in group 2 ( P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Hyperopia and low amplitude of accommodation at the age of 20 might predispose to early development of presbyopia in normal individuals.