Presbyopia Overview
When it comes to vision problems, you’ve probably heard about refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma. Yet there’s one vision problem that is rather common in adults that are middle-aged and older that you may not have heard of. That vision problem we’re speaking about is presbyopia.
The team here at our Houston eye surgery center would like to take a brief moment to discuss the basics of presbyopia so that you understand what the condition involves and what symptoms to keep in mind. We’ll also end this little discussion by looking at common treatment options that you can consider for presbyopia.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a vision problem caused by the lens of the eye. Essentially, the lens loses its ability to focus properly. The exact cause of presbyopia is unknown, though research suggests its related to the flexibility and elasticity of the lens itself as well as the reduced power of the ciliary muscles within the eye.
Using his expertise in eye care and vision treatment, Houston-based ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Watkins will identify this vision problem and then set about treating it effectively through various means. There are some early symptoms and signs of presbyopia that you can look out for, however.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
Some early symptoms that are commonly associated with presbyopia are as follows:
- Recurring eyestrain when reading
- Difficulty reading in low light levels
- Difficulty reading small print
- Blurred vision when focusing on objects at different distances
It’s important that you bring these issues up with your physician if you experience any of the above, particularly if you are middle-aged or older. The sooner the condition can be diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated effectively.
Treatment Options for Presbyopia
There are surgical and non-surgical options for treating presbyopia, and the right treatment for you and your needs will be determined by a number of different factors. Let’s just do a basic rundown of these treatments, which can be discussed at greater length during a consultation with Dr. Watkins.
Monovision LASIK
Houston LASIK surgery has been used to improve vision for refractive errors, and it can also be performed in order to treat presbyopia. Rather than treating both eyes, however, each is eye is treated to focus at different distances. One eye becomes the distance eye and the other the reading eye, so to speak.
Corrective Lenses
One of the most common and effective treatments for presbyopia is the use of corrective lenses. Patient can receive bifocals so that both distance vision and reading vision can be accounted for. Contact lenses for presbyopia are also an option to consider: you can either get bifocal contacts or you can get contacts to create a monovision situation (as described above with monovision LASIK).
PreLex (Presbyopia Lens Exchange)
Another presbyopia treatment option that many are turning to is intraocular lens implants. These are artificial lenses that are used to replace the natural crystalline lens of the eye. There are different kinds of lenses and options out there that can be used depending on a patient’s needs, one of which is the PreLex treatment (presbyopia lens exchange), a treatment that is similar in many ways to cataract surgery.
Schedule a Consultation for Presbyopia Treatment
For more information about treating presbyopia and other important concerns for effective vision correction and eye care, contact our Houston eye care specialists today.
