What condition is characterized by a loss of lens elasticity and difficulty seeing close objects after the age of 40?

The condition characterized by a loss of lens elasticity and difficulty seeing close objects after the age of 40 is presbyopia. As individuals age, the natural lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it increasingly difficult to focus on nearby objects. This loss of accommodation is a normal part of the aging process and typically begins to affect people in their 40s.

Presbyopia is distinct from other vision problems such as myopia, which is difficulty seeing distant objects and is usually related to the shape of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea. Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, leading to vision loss if not treated. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a systemic condition that primarily affects overall health and can lead to complications such as hypertensive retinopathy but is not directly related to the age-related changes in lens elasticity.

Understanding presbyopia is crucial as it highlights the normal age-related changes in vision, emphasizing the importance of regular eye examinations and potential corrective measures like reading glasses to manage the condition.