Presbyopia is a common eye condition that usually affects people over 40. It happens because the lens inside your eye, which helps you focus, becomes stiffer with age.
This lens is like a tiny balloon that squeezes to focus on close-up objects. As we get older, the balloon doesn’t squeeze as easily, making it harder to see things up close clearly.
This can make reading small print or seeing your phone screen challenging as things start to look blurry. Fortunately, there are many great solutions to keep you seeing clearly, from reading glasses to advanced contact lens options.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Presbyopia
Fortunately, various non-surgical treatment options are available to fix presbyopia. The best one depends on what you’re trying to fix.
1. Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses have multiple zones with different prescriptions. They allow the wearer to see clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances.
With multifocal contact lenses, you can ditch the glasses completely to see well at all distances. However, it can take time to adjust to these lenses. Some people notice a bit of blurriness around lights (like headlights) at night.
2. Monovision Lenses
Monovision is an alternative approach to address presbyopia, differing from multifocal lenses. It involves correcting one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision.
One benefit of monovision is its affordability and quick adaptability compared to multifocal lenses. However, monovision isn’t for everyone. Depth perception can be a bit off.
3. Glasses Upgrades
If you don’t want to wear contact lenses for presbyopia, you can opt for some glasses upgrades. This means that you don’t have to take the time to get used to lenses.
Reading glasses are a classic, affordable option designed specifically for near-vision tasks like reading. Bifocals and progressives are multifocal glasses offering distance and near vision correction in a single lens. This eliminates the need to constantly switch between glasses.
How to Choose the Best Presbyopia Treatment
A consultation with your eye doctor can help you choose the best treatment. Several solutions will probably help you see better—a lot comes down to what feels right for you.
Here’s what they’ll likely consider:
- Your vision needs. Your daily activities and visual demands will help determine the most suitable solution. For instance, if you frequently drive at night, certain options might be more beneficial than others.
- Your lifestyle. An active lifestyle might make monovision less appealing due to its potential impact on depth perception. If you’re often in meetings, reading glasses might not be the most convenient choice.
- Test drives. Many eye doctors offer trial periods for contact lenses, allowing you to experience their functionality in real-life situations before committing to them.
When Should I Consider Surgery for Presbyopia?
You should consider surgery after a thorough conversation with your eye surgeon. Preexisting conditions, such as dry eyes or certain eye diseases, may make surgery less suitable.
While surgery can significantly improve vision, it doesn’t always guarantee perfect 20/20 vision and may have side effects. If you’re apprehensive, there are many effective non-surgical options available.
Surgical Treatment Options for Presbyopia
Surgery is a big step, but it can offer excellent results.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery for presbyopia offers various techniques to correct age-related near vision loss. These include:
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Replacing the eye’s lens with an artificial one
- LASIK. Reshaping the cornea with lasers for better vision.
Remember that like all surgeries, risks are involved, and not everyone is a good candidate. Sometimes, night vision is affected, and you may need retreatment down the road.
Lens Implants (IOLs)
Lens implants, or IOLs, are typically performed during cataract surgery. They involve replacing your natural lens with an artificial one, offering a permanent solution for vision correction.
There are several types of IOLs:
- Multifocal IOLs. Function similarly to bifocals or progressive glasses by providing clear vision at multiple distances, catering to both near and far vision needs.
- Extended Depth of Focus IOLs. Offer a broader range of clear vision with a focus on minimizing visual disturbances such as glare and halos.
- Toric IOLs. Correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These lenses have specific orientations to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens in the eye.
How to Tell if You Need Treatment for Presbyopia
For many, presbyopia is the first sign of aging. This can affect confidence, especially in social situations or at work. Blurry vision can make you feel less sharp and on top of your game.
Some common signs that you’re suffering from presbyopia include:
- Difficulty reading small print
- Holding reading materials at arm’s length
- Blurred vision at normal reading distance
- Squinting and asking others to read things for you
- Eye strain and eye fatigue after reading
Presbyopia may be a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle. With various non-surgical options available, you can maintain clear vision at any distance.
The ideal solution depends on your needs and preferences, so it’s crucial to discuss your options with your eye doctor.
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