Presbyopia Treatments
By the time a person reaches his or her 40s or 50s, close-up focusing becomes difficult. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and cannot be prevented. Many patients experience difficulty seeing when working at the computer, suffer from headaches when engaging in close-up work or reading, and have to hold reading material far away in order to make out the words. These symptoms of presbyopia can greatly affect a person’s everyday life.
At the vision center Deen-Gross Eye Centers in Merrillville, a wide range of presbyopia treatment options are available including glasses, contact lenses, IOLs, and LASIK.
Glasses
Some patients may find relief from the symptoms of presbyopia by wearing reading glasses. Reading glasses are most effective in the early stages of presbyopia and for patients that do not already wear other vision correction eyewear. Patients that suffer from myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism and are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia may require glasses with progressive addition lenses or bifocals.
Contact Lenses
Glasses can be bothersome. They are constantly being subjected to smudges, dirt, dust, and even scratches. While highly effective at treating the symptoms of presbyopia, glasses do have their disadvantages.
Glasses are highly effective at treating the symptoms of presbyopia, but they also cover a large portion of a person’s face. They also can interfere with a person’s ability to participate in certain activities. It is common for a person’s glasses to fall off, become dirty, to fog up, or to become scratched when engaging in activities such as basketball or baseball. Patients that want the benefits of glasses without having to wear glasses may choose contact lenses.
Multifocal contact lenses let patients achieve good near and distance vision without having to wear glasses. There are many types of contact lenses specifically designed for patients affected by presbyopia. A popular option in multifocal contact lenses is ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand for Presbyopia. These multifocal contact lenses offer comfort without compromising vision. The ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand for Presbyopia lenses are designed to provide balanced vision and remain comfortable for the wearer, even in environments that may otherwise cause eye strain or discomfort. With this lens, a patient should be able to see clearly in varying lighting conditions and at all distances.
LASIK
LASIK for presbyopia is not perfect. In this type of LASIK, commonly known as monovision LASIK, one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is corrected for distance vision. Monovision LASIK may be difficult for some patients to adjust to. Before undergoing monovision LASIK, patients will be asked to try monovision by wearing contact lenses. LASIK can be highly effective at treating the symptoms of presbyopia. With monovision LASIK, many patients no longer require glasses when reading or engaging in close-up work.
Cataracts and Presbyopia
Patients that suffer from both a cataract and presbyopia may benefit from IOLs (intraocular lenses). Premium IOLs may allow patients experiencing cataracts and presbyopia to achieve good near, medium, and distance vision. Patients choosing these premium IOLs may be able to achieve clear, crisp vision at all distances without having to rely on glasses to do so.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about presbyopia treatments, please contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers today.
