ABO NOCE Practice Test

Which condition is associated with aging and affects the ability to focus on close objects?

1. Myopia

2. Presbyopia

3. Emmetropia

4. Hyperopia

The correct answer is: Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition that typically occurs with aging and specifically affects the eye's ability to focus on close objects. This condition arises due to a gradual loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye, which is necessary for accommodating or adjusting focus on near tasks, such as reading or sewing. As the lens becomes less flexible, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a clear image of nearby objects, leading people to hold reading materials farther away. In contrast, myopia (or nearsightedness) is a condition where distant objects appear blurred while close objects can be seen clearly, primarily caused by the shape of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea. Emmetropia refers to a normal vision state where the light entering the eye focuses directly on the retina, allowing clear vision at all distances without corrective lenses. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, involves difficulty focusing on close objects due to light entering the eye being focused behind the retina, typically resulting from a shorter eyeball or a flatter cornea. The age-related aspect of presbyopia distinguishes it from these other refractive errors, making it a common condition for individuals typically over the age of 40.