Final answer:
Presbyopia is a vision problem associated with aging that causes a loss of ability to focus on close objects. It is caused by a loss of elasticity in the lens, and is usually corrected with the use of corrective lenses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presbyopia is a vision problem associated with aging in which the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on close objects. It is caused by a loss of elasticity in the lens that reduces the eye's ability to change shape and focus on nearby objects.
For Dr. Ngai, his surprise at being diagnosed with presbyopia means that he will need corrective lenses to help him see close up. Surgical procedures for presbyopia have not been as successful as those for nearsightedness and farsightedness, so corrective lenses are typically recommended.