Southeastern Asian Refugees' Presbyopia

Abstract

The onset and terminal stages of presbyopia, the loss of amplitude of accommodation of the eye associated with old age, of the Southeastern Asian refugees were investigated. Subjects examined in a 6-mo. period in an Optometric practice were included. A + 1.00 D add was used to define onset of presbyopia, and +2.00 to 2.50 D, the terminal stage. Only those age 42 yr. and below were analyzed, a total of 184 subjects. Of these 68 required a + 1.00 D or larger add. χ² test of an obvious increase in add requirement from ages 30–34 to 35–39 yr. was significant, meaning that the onset of presbyopia begins at the age of 35 yr. Age 42 yr. was considered the most probable age to be the terminal stage. An unusual feature, presbyopia occurring below age 35 yr., was noted. Thus, the earlier onset and terminal stages of presbyopia of the Southeastern Asian refugees support the notion of the regional, ethnic, and environmental influences in the development of presbyopia.