Presbyopia, which is also called age-related farsightedness, is a condition that develops as a patient ages. It refers to a thickening and loss of flexibility in the eyes’ lenses. This increases the rigidity of the lens, making it more difficult for patients to focus on near objects. As a result, patients experience blurry vision when performing tasks that require clear up-close vision. This makes it difficult to see clearly when reading, using the computer, sewing, and viewing photos, among other activities. At Peña Eye Institute, Dr. Raul Peña offers a range of vision correction procedures to improve patients’ eyesight and quality of life. To learn more about the treatment options for presbyopia, contact our McAllen, TX or Harlingen, TX offices today.
Seeking Treatment for Presbyopia
Unlike farsightedness, which is caused by abnormalities in the shape of the cornea due to genetic or environmental factors, an age-related process causes presbyopia. Most patients begin to develop the symptoms of presbyopia in their 40s. Signs of presbyopia include blurry near vision, eye strain, and headaches when viewing near objects. If you have begun to experience these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment for presbyopia.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are a simple and inexpensive treatment for presbyopia. Patients that use glasses for nearsightedness (blurry distant vision) may opt for bifocal or progressive addition lenses. These glasses have two vision prescriptions within the lenses, with the lower portion of the lens using the presbyopia prescription and the upper portion using the nearsightedness prescription.
For patients with previously clear vision, reading glasses can be used. These glasses only need to be worn when you require clear near vision.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can also be used to treat presbyopia. Patients have the option of choosing bifocal contact lenses, which have two prescriptions within the lens. Patients may also wish to use monovision contact lenses, in which one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other is corrected for near vision.
Intraocular Lenses
If you are undergoing cataract surgery, you have the option of having your natural lens replaced with a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. While most patients have a monofocal lens, which only provides clear distance vision, placed, patients now have the option of having a multifocal or accommodating IOL placed. These premium lenses allow for clear vision at a range of distances.
Monovision LASIK
If you have had a good experience with monovision contact lenses, you may be a good candidate for monovision LASIK. During monovision LASIK, one eye is treated to produce clear distance vision (if needed), and the other is treated to produce clear near vision. However, not all patients adjust well to the monovision treatment approach. Before committing to monovision LASIK, patients should try monovision contact lenses first.
If you suspect you have developed presbyopia, we can perform a comprehensive eye exam. Once we have diagnosed presbyopia, we can recommend appropriate treatment options. To schedule your eye exam, contact Peña Eye Institute today.
