A long sighted look at Presbyopia (Lao Hua Yan)
– Facts, Fiction & Hope by Dr. Julian Theng

Publisher: Singapore : Julian Theng, 2007.
ISBN: 9789810573140
Physical Description: 111 p. : col. ill. ; 24 cm.
Subjects: Presbyopia, Presbyopia Treatment, Cataract Surgery, Eye Refractive errors
Retail Price: $12.90
Available at all Major Book Stores & EEC

Preface by Dr Julian Theng

This book was sparked off by the multiple conversations I had over dinner with friends and relatives in Singapore and abroad. Presbyopia is an interesting topic that would always occupy my time and attention whenever it is broached. It is interesting not only because there are actually a lot of treatment options available today, but more because so little is known about them even by doctors in other subspecialties and by general practitioners, let alone the lay man. Even more importantly, myths about the topic abound. What seems ever so curious about this very common problem that every one of us will suffer from once past 40, is the difficulty in remembering the word 'presbyopia' or even pronouncing it. Hence, I have given the Chinese name 'Lao Hua Yan' in the title, a much more familiar term to us in Singapore.

I initially entitled the book 'Hope for Presbyopia' because there is a whole range of treatment options already available that can ease one's discomfort with this problem. But at the same time, I sincerely do not wish to raise false hopes. As good as some methods or implants are at present, there is no one perfect solution as yet. I, therefore, changed the title to 'A Long-sighted Look at Presbyopia (Lao Hua Yan). Facts, fiction and hope'. Close friends have told me that the word 'presbyopia' would be alien to many people who are more familiar with the term 'long-sightedness'. The inclusion of 'Lao Hua Yan' and 'Long-sighted' collectively makes it clear what the book is all about.

I sincerely hope this book will clear the doubts and destroy the myths about presbyopia and offer you some form of reassurance that there is an option out there for you that may just fit like a glove. Bear in mind that nothing is perfect at the moment. And if you are not comfortable with any of the more invasive or surgical options that are present today, despite numerous successful outcomes that I have seen till today, do not worry, choose the conservative methods for now and await whatever is in store for the future. For now, for me, presybopia remains the 'Holy Grail' in ophthalmology!

Dr Julian Theng
Medical Director
Eagle Eye Centre

Dr Theng is highly regarded in the treatment of presbyopia and multi-focal lens implant surgery. He teaches at courses and lectures internationally on the technique and technology of multi-focal implantations for cataract surgery.  Read more about his profile here.