Presbyopia happens as we get older and is something that will happen to everyone. It’s when the lens inside our eye, which usually has the ability to change shape, starts to get stiff. When we’re young, this lens can easily change shape to help us see things up close and far away. But as we grow older, starting around our 40s, it doesn’t bend as easily. This makes it hard to see things that are close to us clearly.
This change is all because the proteins in our eye’s lens and the muscles around it get less stretchy over time. So, when we try to look at something up close, like a book or a phone, it might look blurry. That’s why older people often need reading glasses or special lenses to help us see things close up again.

Diagnosing presbyopia involves a standard eye examination conducted by an eye care professional. During the exam, your vision will be tested at various distances to determine how well you can see close-up and far away. One key test is the visual acuity test, which measures how clearly you can see letters or symbols from a specific distance.
Additionally, a refraction test may be performed to determine the best lens strength needed to improve your near vision. The eye doctor might also use a slit lamp, which magnifies and illuminates the front part of your eye, to examine the health of your eyes and to check for other potential vision problems.

This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps guide the most effective treatment plan for presbyopia.

For temporary relief, people with presbyopia often turn to reading glasses or contact lenses. However, we provide surgical options to permanently address presbyopia, eliminating the need for reading glasses. These procedures, such as refractive lens exchange or RLE and laser treatments offer lasting vision correction.

Can presbyopia be prevented?

Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and cannot be prevented.

Are there any risks associated with presbyopia treatments?

Common risks include glare, halos, and difficulty with night vision after surgery.

Can presbyopia worsen over time?

Yes, presbyopia tends to worsen gradually with age, requiring stronger corrective measures.

Can lifestyle changes help manage presbyopia?

Yes, maintaining good overall eye health, adequate lighting for reading, and regular eye exams can help manage presbyopia symptoms.

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