Presbyopia
Eagle Eye Centre
Struggling to read small print or finding yourself constantly switching between multiple pairs of glasses? If you are over the age of 40 and experiencing difficulty with near vision tasks, you may have presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common, age-related condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.
At Eagle Eye Centre, we provide a range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options for presbyopia, including LASIK and lens-based procedures. A thorough assessment is essential to determine the most appropriate approach based on your eye health, visual needs, and lifestyle.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that reduces the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. It usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s and occurs due to a gradual loss of flexibility in the eye’s natural lens. As the lens becomes less able to change shape, near vision tasks such as reading, using a mobile phone, or working on a computer become more challenging.
Presbyopia affects everyone to some degree, including individuals who have never had vision problems before. Many people first notice the need to hold reading material further away or require brighter lighting to see clearly.
Common symptoms
Without proper correction, symptoms may worsen and interfere with daily life. Presbyopia develops gradually and may cause:
- Eye strain or fatigue during reading
- Difficulty seeing small print clearly
- Blurred vision at normal reading distances
- Needing to hold reading material at arm’s length
- Headaches after prolonged close-up work
- A preference for brighter lighting when reading
Presbyopia management
Managing presbyopia depends on individual lifestyle, vision goals and eye health. The main approaches include:
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
- Surgical options for long-term correction
Your ophthalmologist at Eagle Eye Centre will help determine the best course of action.
Glasses for presbyopia
Spectacles remain the most popular and straightforward solution. Types of lenses include:
Reading glasses
Bifocals or trifocals
Progressive lenses
Glasses for presbyopia
Correction methods
Consistent protection can help keep your eyes moist and shielded from environmental triggers. To reduce the risk of pterygium or prevent recurrence:
Contact lenses for presbyopia
These lenses are available in both soft and rigid forms, depending on comfort and vision needs.
- Several contact lens options can also correct presbyopia:
- Multifocal lenses: Designed with multiple focal zones for near and far
- Monovision lenses: One eye is corrected for distance, the other for near vision
- Modified monovision: Combines a multifocal lens in one eye and a distance lens in the other
Who is more likely to be affected?
While everyone experiences presbyopia eventually, the following factors may lead to earlier onset or more severe symptoms:
Age over 40
Pre-existing vision conditions such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or multiple sclerosis
Use of medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants or diuretics
Who is more likely to be affected?
WHAT YOU SEE MATTERS
Struggling with near vision?
In Singapore, where digital device usage is high and reading environments vary, presbyopia can significantly affect quality of life. Eagle Eye Centre provides customised treatment plans including surgical and non-surgical options to help patients regain visual comfort. Regular check-ups ensure your prescription evolves with your vision needs.
What Are the Treatment Options for Presbyopia?
Treatment for presbyopia can be broadly divided into non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments are usually the first-line option and include:
- Reading glasses or multifocal spectacles
- Multifocal or monovision contact lenses
As presbyopia progresses with age, prescriptions may need to be adjusted over time. Some individuals may consider surgical options if non-surgical treatments no longer meet their visual needs or if they wish to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
How Does LASIK Treat Presbyopia?
LASIK is a commonly performed form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to improve focusing ability. In presbyopia treatment, LASIK is typically performed using a monovision or blended vision approach, rather than restoring a single focal point.
Monovision LASIK
In monovision LASIK, the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision, while the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision. This allows the brain to adapt and use each eye for different visual tasks.
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Treat Presbyopia?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens. Advanced lens designs can provide distance, intermediate, and near vision correction.
Corrects presbyopia
Eliminates the risk of developing cataracts in the future
Is often considered for individuals aged 50 and above
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Treat Presbyopia?
Who Is Suitable for Presbyopia Surgery?
Suitability for presbyopia surgery depends on several factors, including:
- Age and visual requirements
- Corneal thickness and eye health
- Presence of other eye conditions
- Lifestyle and occupational needs
Benefits of Surgical Treatment for Presbyopia
Depending on the procedure chosen, potential benefits may include:
- Reduced dependence on reading glasses or contact lenses
- Improved convenience for daily activities such as reading and driving
- Faster visual recovery with laser-based procedures
- Long-term vision correction with lens-based surgery
Individual outcomes vary, and benefits should be considered alongside potential risks and limitations.
Risks and Side Effects of Presbyopia Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your ophthalmologist will discuss these in detail before any treatment. Potential risks and side effects may include:
- Dry eye symptoms
- Visual disturbances such as glare or halos
- Adaptation challenges with monovision
- Temporary blurred vision during recovery
Book an Appointment
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing difficulty with near vision or are considering surgical options for presbyopia, a comprehensive consultation at Eagle Eye Centre can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your eyes and lifestyle.