What is the gradual loss of accommodation that typically affects reading and close work around the age of 40 called?

The gradual loss of accommodation that typically affects reading and close work around the age of 40 is known as presbyopia. This condition arises from the natural aging process of the eye, specifically related to the lens's decreased flexibility. As people age, the lens becomes less able to change shape, which diminishes its ability to focus on close-up objects. This usually starts to be noticeable in individuals in their 40s, leading to difficulties in reading small print and performing tasks that require close attention.

In contrast, cataracts involve the clouding of the eye's lens and are not specifically related to accommodation. Amblyopia is a condition often known as "lazy eye," where one eye does not achieve normal visual acuity, which isn't directly linked to age or accommodation. Diabetic retinopathy refers to eye damage caused by diabetes and affects the retina rather than focusing abilities. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why presbyopia is the correct term for age-related difficulties in near vision.