The new evidence was found by a team of researchers who performed a meta-analysis using nine cross-sectional studies to compare the prevalence and magnitude of presbyopia among men and women. The researchers further subdivided the analysis to determine what differences in presbyopia might exist between men and women.
While the results of a subgroup of studies showed no significant gender-related difference in the eye’s ability to focus clearly on objects at near distances, the overall analysis provided evidence that this discrepancy is likely due to differences in preferred reading distances or arm length as women tend to hold reading materials closer than men do.
The researchers said the findings could impact global vision care in multiple ways and reinforce the need for presbyopia correction programs for women – a group that often has greater unmet vision needs in developing countries. It also points out that presbyopia is a multi-factorial problem and requires solutions that are tailored to each individual.
