Facts about Presbyopia
| Treatment Methods: | Visual aids, laser correction, lens implants (multifocal lenses) |
|---|---|
| Symptoms: | Usually noticed between the ages of 40 and 50, difficulty focusing on nearby objects |
| Treatment Duration: | Depends on the chosen treatment method |
| Anesthesia: | Locally anesthetizing eye drops |
| Clinic Stay: | Outpatient |
| Aftercare: | Depends on the chosen treatment method |
Presbyopia is the result of the decreasing ability of the lens to focus sharply at different distances. This is caused by the loss of the lens’s natural elasticity. This so-called loss of accommodation leads to a deterioration in vision.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the result of the natural aging process of the eye’s own lens. Over the course of life, the lens loses its elasticity and its ability to adjust to different distances (accommodation). This “loss of accommodation,” usually noticed between the ages of 40 and 50, is a normal process that affects everyone without exception.
The elasticity and refractive power of the lens decrease with age. As a result, difficulties with near vision occur. Presbyopia is most commonly noticed when reading or while driving (e.g., looking at the dashboard).
Treatment of Presbyopia
Presbyopia can be corrected either with glasses or multifocal contact lenses. If one wants to be independent of visual aids, laser eye treatment is an option. If laser correction is not possible or not desired, intraocular lens implants such as multifocal lenses can also be used.
Studies show good results for the SMILE method in treating presbyopia.
A study by Prof. DDr. Nikolaus Luft demonstrated that patients with presbyopia treated with the ReLEX SMILE method achieved very good outcomes. Treatment was performed according to the so-called monovision principle, where the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye for near vision.
What if you are not a candidate for laser eye treatment?
In many cases of presbyopia, we recommend the use of multi- or trifocal intraocular lenses because they often solve multiple age-related vision problems. They essentially function like small progressive lenses. They provide sharp vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, enabling an all-around improved visual experience.
Option 1
Monovision
For mild presbyopia, it is possible to improve near vision during a lens surgery. The dominant eye for distance is set to see far, while the dominant eye for near is adjusted for close vision.
Option 2
Intraocular Lens
Multifocal lenses for distance & near
Lens zones with different refractive powers
Reading glasses inside your eye
Multifocal intraocular lenses are premium lenses that function like “progressive glasses” inside the eye. They provide optics for both distance and near vision. These modern artificial lenses offer maximum freedom from glasses, for example during sports, driving, reading price tags or menus.
With an innovative design, so-called trifocal intraocular lenses significantly improve visual acuity in the intermediate distance range (e.g., computer distance) without compromising near or far vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Presbyopia
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia, also known as “age-related farsightedness,” is a visual impairment affecting the ability to see objects up close. It is caused by the natural aging process of the eye.
How does presbyopia become noticeable?
If, for example, you instinctively have to stretch your arms further to read the newspaper, this can be an early sign of presbyopia. Also, letters appearing blurry in low light conditions or headaches can be symptoms of presbyopia.
What can be done against presbyopia?
Presbyopia can be compensated by wearing appropriate glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, age-related farsightedness can be corrected through a laser procedure on the cornea or by implanting special artificial lenses (so-called multifocal intraocular lenses).
Does everyone develop presbyopia?
Yes, presbyopia affects almost everyone at some point in their life and usually begins between the ages of 40 and 50.
When should you see an eye doctor for presbyopia?
If you can no longer see objects clearly up close or have trouble reading, it is advisable to visit an eye doctor. Even younger people experiencing these symptoms are recommended to see a specialist in ophthalmology, as it could be ordinary farsightedness not related to aging.
How does presbyopia develop?
Presbyopia usually begins unnoticed and gradually worsens over several decades. In a person around 20 years old, the average near focusing distance is about 10 centimeters. By age 40, this distance increases to approximately 30 centimeters. After 50 years of age, the eye generally can no longer focus on distances closer than 40 cm, making reading glasses or progressive lenses necessary to see clearly up close. The speed of decline in near vision varies from person to person. However, after the age of 65, presbyopia usually does not worsen any further.
CONTACT
Ophthalmology Clinic Linz
Weissenwolffstraße 13, 3rd Floor
4020 Linz
Office Hours
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MON, WED, THU 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TUE 09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Appointment Days
By appointment only
Ophthalmology Clinic Wien
Habsburgergasse 10, 4th Floor
1010 Wien