What is Presbyopia and Can it Be Treated?
Nobody likes to be reminded that parts of their bodies are experiencing the effects of age. If you are like many people over 40, however, the need for reading glasses or struggles with up-close tasks can be an unavoidable sign of a condition called presbyopia. Almost everyone develops presbyopia as they age, but you have options to help manage it.
What is Presbyopia?
When light enters your eyes, it travels through a clear, disc-shaped lens that focuses it. These lenses naturally change their shape to accommodate close-up or distance vision. However, aging causes proteins in the lens to change, causing it to lose flexibility. The inability to adjust to close-up vision is called presbyopia, and it affects almost all individuals as they age. While reading glasses can help, many people prefer a more convenient and lasting solution.
How Can Presbyopia Be Treated?
One of the most effective ways to treat presbyopia is a laser eye surgery called PRESBYOND®. Unlike most types of laser eye surgery, like LASIK, this procedure is binocular, which means it corrects each eye independently to see clearly at a different distance. This form of correction means you can see clearly at longer, intermediate, and up-close distances. Also known as laser blended vision correction, it may even allow you to leave your reading glasses at home when you go out.
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We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
How Long is Recovery After Presbyopia Treatment?
Because PRESBYOND® is performed in the same general way as LASIK, recovery is very similar. Most people can return to work in one or two days and their full range of activities within a week or two. Discomfort is minimal, with some minor irritation or glare around lights.
While your vision will be clearer within a day or two, your brain will need time to adjust to the binocular vision provided by PRESBYOND®. Most people feel comfortable within a few weeks, although it can take up to a few months to fully adapt. Once you are used to your corrected vision, you can confidently see at a range of distances.
Am I a Good Candidate for Presbyopia Treatment?
Most healthy adults with presbyopia are good candidates for PRESBYOND®. The limitations are similar to LASIK, including:
- You should not have medical conditions such as glaucoma
- You should have healthy, normal corneas
- Let your eye surgeon know if you play contact sports
- Discuss any symptoms of chronic dry eye you experience
If you are not a good candidate for PRESBYOND®, we offer other treatments, such as refractive lens exchange, which replaces your aging lenses with new, flawless ones. An eye exam and consultation will allow your eye surgeon to determine the best method for your needs.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about presbyopia treatment, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!
