What Causes Presbyopia?

When we are young, our eye's lens is flexible and can change shape easily, allowing the eye to focus on objects both close and far away. As we enter our 40's, the lens thickens and the muscles around the eye weakens. As a result, presbyopia develops and we lose our ability to see nearby objects clearly.

What are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

For most people, the most common symptoms of presbyopia occur around the age 40. This typically involves a gradual deterioration in the ability to read or complete work up close.

• The need to hold reading material at arm's length
• Blurred vision at a normal reading distance
• Headaches or fatigue from doing close up work for a long period of time
• Difficulty reading small print
• Squinting / eyestrain

If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine or are present to the point of causing pain, we recommend you to book an appointment with a LASERSIGHT Consultant Optometrist.

How will a LASERSIGHT Doctor Diagnose Presbyopia?

Your LASERSIGHT doctor can diagnose presbyopia by performing a thorough dilated eye exam.

Quick Tip: A general eye check-up is recommended once every two years for people over 45 years of age.

How do I Prevent the Onset of Presbyopia?

Unfortunately, we all get older at some point and there is no escaping presbyopia, even if you've never had a vision problem before.

However, you can help protect your vision with these simple steps:

• Get regular eye examinations
• Wear sunglasses
• Eat a healthy diet with foods containing antioxidants, vitamin A, and beta carotene
• Make sure you're using the right strength of eyeglasses
• Use good lighting when reading

What are the Treatment Options for Presbyopia?

There are several different types of eye treatments that can help improve or correct presbyopia. Depending on your personal characteristics, the best eye treatment option may vary patient to patient.

1st Generation PRK

PRK involves gently removing the layer of cells covering the cornea, also known as the epithelium, and using an excimer laser to sculpt the cornea to correct presbyopia.

2nd Generation LASIK

LASIK involves using a laser to remove inner layers of your cornea to steepen its domed shape. LASIK surgery can also be used to treat monovision.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery involves removing your clouded lens from your eye and replacing it with a clear, acrylic intraocular lens.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

An ICL is a thin, clear lens that is permanently placed inside your eye behind the iris, and in front of your natural crystalline lens.