What is presbyopia?
It is a progressive difficulty in reading or focusing on nearby objects . It occurs physiologically in all people from the age of 40-45 and affects 100% of the population over 50 years of age.
Why does it appear?
As a result of aging:
The ciliary muscle loses elasticity and power.
The lens loses elasticity.
The eye loses its ability to focus on objects up close.
The person begins to move away from the text , looking for an ideal focusing distance or looking for well-lit areas.
Who does it affect?
Presbyopia is inevitable. It affects both patients who have never worn glasses and those who have some refractive defect (myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism).
Other factors that may worsen presbyopia are:
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Certain medications
Symptoms
- Difficulty reading or focusing on nearby objects.
- Increasing the distance between the object and the eyes, a characteristic sign of presbyopia (extending the arms to read).
- Need for more light for reading.
- Headache, feeling of heaviness in the eyes, itchy and red eyes.
How can it be treated?
Traditional correction is done with progressive glasses.
Nowadays, it can be permanently corrected by surgery, which will allow, in most cases, to see both near and far without needing to use glasses.
Surgery may involve implanting an intraocular lens.
Advantages of cataract surgery:
- Safe and effective technique
- Quick and painless intervention
- Outpatient surgery
- No waiting list
Frequently Asked Questions
The alternative is presbyopia surgery. The patient will be able to see both far and near, in most cases without needing to use glasses.
It depends on the patient’s age, the previous defect and the state of the lens. The doctor makes a personalised assessment of which intervention is most appropriate for each specific patient.
Yes, it is permanent, and the patient will not normally use glasses for near vision again. Occasionally, they may be a complement for certain activities.
The patient begins to see up close after 24 hours. However, it is necessary to wait about 3 to 7 days to obtain a clear improvement in near vision.
No, the intraocular lens eliminates the possibility of cataracts.
