EYESIGHT TREATMENT - PRESBYOPIA
Eyesight
Presbyopia is a slow loss of ability to see close
objects or small print. It is a normal process that
happens over a lifetime. Presbyopia can begin in the
late thirties, but by the age of 55, close to 100% of
the population is affected. You may not notice any change
until after the age of 40.
The first sign is letters look fuzzy when reading up
close and you have difficulty reading in low-light situations.
People with presbyopia often hold reading materials
at arm's length. Some get headaches or "tired eyes"
while reading or doing other close work. Presbyopia
is often corrected with:
Presbyopia is not degenerative on the eye but is a
progressive condition that is best properly diagnosed
and treated by an eye care professional.
Corrective Measures
Good lighting - use sufficient lighting
for movement inside and outside, and use sufficient
lighting for detail tasks.
Eye Exams - regular eye exams[every
1-2 years] are important for early detection of eye
problems. Also medical checks for diseases such as diabetes,
which can cause eye problems if not treated. Always
seek treatment if you notice any loss of eyesight, double
vision, pain, swelling on or around the eye or any fluids
from the eye.
Correct Bifocal Lenses - a common
solution to presbyopia is the use of bifocal lenses,
howeverr, these can cause discomfort for those using
computers. This is because 'reading glasses' are designed
to focus the eyes at a distance of 12" to 18"
- a computer display is usually 19" to 24"
away. You may find you need a special pair just for
computer work.
Use Low Vision Aids - for very fine
print, such as phone books and labels, use devices that
are stronger than regular eyeglasses, such as magnifying
glasses, light-filtering lenses and electronic devices.
Eyeglasses For Presbyopia
The most common correction for presbyopia is eyeglasses
- either standard reading glasses or more specialized
eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses
[PAL].
Bifocal lenses
have two points of focus:
- the main part of the spectacle lens contains a prescription
for nearsightedness or farsightedness,
- the lower portion of the lens holds the stronger
near prescription for close work.
Progressive addition
lenses are similar to bifocal lenses, but have
a more gradual visual transition between the two prescriptions,
with no visible lines between them.
Reading glasses
- reading glasses are typically worn just during close
work. If you wear contact lenses, your eye doctor can
prescribe reading glasses that you wear while your contacts
are in. You may purchase readers over-the-counter at
a retail store, or you can get higher-quality versions
prescribed by your eyecare practitioner.
Contact lenses for
presbyopia - these are multifocal contact lenses
made with gas permeable or soft lens materials.
NOTE: the eye lens continues to change
as we grow older, hence your presbyopic prescription
will also need adjusting [generally to a stronger correction],
over time.
Corrective Procedures
Surgical procedures aimed at improving the focusing
power of the eye are called refractive surgery.
LASIK Surgery
Lasik Surgery - LASIK [Laser-Assisted
In Situ Keratomileusis] is where a laser is used to
change the contour of the cornea permanently. This has
proven highly successful and is a very popular procedure.
Conductive Keratoplasty
Conductive Keratoplasty [CK] - uses
radiowaves, rather than lasers to shape the cornea as
a procedure for hyperopia [farsightedness] r presbyopia,
and general conditions relating to aging eyes.
Eye Lens Gel Replacement
Eye Lens Gel Replacement - a new
treatment developed by Dr. Arthur Ho of the University
of New South Wales, Australia. A soft polymer gel is
injected into the cavity that contains the natural lens.
This is designed to replace the natural lens to correct
presbyopia and other vision problems. The product is
expected to be commercially available in 2008.
Initial tests found the gel lens implant has about
four times the power of standard reading glasses.
For the
latest updates on eye disease and supporting treatments
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