Laser surgery for presbyopia
The latest laser surgery for presbyopia is PresbyLASIK, which uses the excimer laser. PresbyLASIK creates concentric rings on the cornea, which results in the eye acting like a soft multifocal contact lens to give clear vision across all distances.
Although it is easier to see close up objects after PresbyLASIK surgery has been performed, some people find that they may need reading glasses if the light is low.
The most common form of laser correction, LASIK surgery, is not effective in curing presbyopia because it deals with the eye’s cornea, whereas presbyopia affects the eye’s lens.
What is presbyopia?
The onset of presbyopia usually happens between the ages of forty and fifty, when a person may have difficulty focusing on objects that are at different distances from each other. The near distance starts to deteriorate first, as it does with long sightedness. You may not notice it at first, but then when you try to read a book or a newspaper you find that you cannot see the print unless you hold it further away from your eyes. As time goes on, the distance at which you have to hold printed material increases until you need to hold it at arm’s length.
Presbyopia affects almost everyone as they age and happens because over many years the lens of the eye stiffens, while at the same time there is a weakening of the muscles of the eye that help to focus the lens.
If presbyopia is the only problem you have with your eyes, the simplest solution is often just to wear glasses for close work or reading. However, if you do have a problem and wear glasses already, the optician may prescribe bifocal glasses. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable having one pair of glasses for everyday use, and a pair for reading and close work. The popularity of laser surgery in recent years can also be effective in improving many cases of presbyopia.