Presbyopia

Reading glasses are something many of us will end up depending on as we get older. This is due to the age-related eye condition called ‘presbyopia’. For some of us it’s a nuisance, for others it’s a major impairment. Luckily, there are treatment options available.

Senior man trying on eyeglasses to treat presbyopia

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a normal part of aging. When we are young, the lens inside of our eye is extremely flexible and allows us to easily focus on close objects. Over time, usually beyond the age of 40, the lens loses its flexibility making it harder to focus on close objects. Watch the video to find out more.

Symptoms of Presbyopia

  • Difficulty reading small print such as on a newspaper or on a phone
  • Holding reading materials further away to be read text
  • Difficulty seeing food on your plate clearly
Optometrist examining senior woman

What are Reading Glasses Used For?

In earlier life, the lens inside our eye alters fine focus at near by changing shape. This enables us to read without glasses. The ability to do this decreases over time and as the lens hardens, reading glasses are required. Vision at near distance gets poorer and poorer with age, and stronger glasses are required every few years. Eventually the crystalline lens becomes cloudy and this is known as a cataract.

Laser Eye Surgery for Presbyopia

Supracor Lasik is a laser vision correction option for those in their early forties to early fifties. For those older, in most cases where suitable, Laser Lens Replacement may be recommended with either an accommodative lens, trifocal lens or the new WIOL “polyfocal” lens.

FAQs

What about Corneal Implants for Presbyopia Correction?

Corneal implants, such as Kamra and Raindrop are newer options. Our Medical Advisory Panel is not completely comfortable with these options having had extensive experience with this type of technology many years ago.

What About Contact Lenses for Presbyopia?

Though bifocal lenses can help manage presbyopia, this is not the same as correction of the refractive error. You will have to keep getting contact lenses and taking them in and out for the rest of your life whereas permanent treatment options correct the refractive error meaning no reliance on contact lenses after the procedure.

Can You Get Lasik Eye Surgery for Presbyopia?

Supracor Lasik is a laser vision correction option for presbyopia for those in their early forties to early fifties. You can read more about it on our Supracor Lasik treatment page.

What Presbyopia Treatment Can I Get if I’m Over 55?

Laser Lens Replacement (LLR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a vision correction procedure used to treat presbyopia and is ideal for those over 55 who want freedom from glasses or contacts.  You can read more about it on our Laser Lens Replacement treatment page.

Author Information

Authored by Sheraz Daya MD FACP FACS FRCS(Ed) FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon & Medical Director, June 2019.

Next review due June 2025.