How do you distinguish a hyperopia (farsighted) patient from a presbyopia (normal, age-related trouble with near vision) patient as they come in with their symptoms?
Both problems do have the same symptoms of decreased near vision. If a test of the eyes shows no correction and you are over the age of 40 years old, this is presbyopia, a condition where the lens loses its mobility causing decreased near vision. Patients under the age of 40 that cannot see at near are likely hyperopic, or farsighted. This is confirmed by a test showing hyperopic refractive error.
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