Phoenix Healthcare Tourism Consultancy Services Inc.
Phoenix Healthcare Tourism Consultancy Services Inc.

Presbyopia (Smart Lens)

what is Presbyopia

Presbyopia (Close Vision Problem)

Presbyopia is the condition where near vision is impaired due to a loss of flexibility in the eye’s natural lens as we age. It usually begins around the age of 40-42 and continues to progress until about 60. Imagine the lens of the eye like a camera lens—just as a camera can’t zoom in on nearby objects, our eyes have difficulty focusing on close objects, making it necessary to hold reading material farther away.

What is the Reason?

Our eye lenses usually change shape to focus on objects. When looking at something nearby, the ciliary muscles contract, making the lens thicker so it can focus clearly. As we age, the lens becomes less flexible, and the muscles lose elasticity, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This causes discomfort, known as presbyopia.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Difficulty focusing on close objects

  • Eye strain

  • Tired eyes

  • Possible headaches

If you find yourself holding reading material at arm’s length, using large fonts on your phone or computer, or struggling to read the same book or newspaper at different times of the day, you may be experiencing age-related difficulty focusing on close objects.

How is it Treated?

Yaşa bağlı odaklanma zorlukları için çeşitli tedavi yöntemleri bulunmaktadır. Bu yöntemlerin her birinin kendine özgü avantajları ve dezavantajları vardır:

  • Gözlük ve kontakt lensler

  • Cerrahi müdahaleler

Surgical Treatments

Surgical options for addressing age-related focusing difficulties include:

  1. Replacing the eye’s natural lens with a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

  2. Inserting a second lens into the eye without removing the natural lens (ICL).

  3. Using a filter system between the corneal layers (inlay method).

  4. Performing corneal ablation with the Supracor laser technique.

Presbyopia before after

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Bifocal or multifocal glasses can help manage the condition, as well as specially designed multifocal contact lenses.

What Happens During Surgery?

Surgical treatments for age-related focusing challenges are categorized into procedures involving the cornea and those targeting the lens.

Laser Treatment (Monovision or Supracor Laser)

This method involves laser treatment of the cornea to correct vision, either by making one eye focused on near objects (monovision) or both eyes adjusted for near and far distances (Supracor).

In classic excimer laser treatment:

  • The cornea is numbed with a few drops of anesthetic.

  • A thin layer of the cornea is removed, and the laser is applied to the underlying tissue to correct refractive issues.

  • The layer is then repositioned.

Inlay Placement

A small lens is inserted between the corneal layers to assist in near vision.

Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL)

The natural lens is removed and replaced with a multifocal lens that can help with near, intermediate, and far vision.

Presbyopia treatment

When Can You Return to Normal Life?

Laser treatments like LASIK are quick, taking only 2-3 minutes per eye. After the procedure, you may experience blurry vision, mild discomfort, or watery eyes for a few hours. It’s recommended to rest and sleep on the day of the surgery. Most patients can resume their daily activities the next day.

Is It a Safe Method?

  • LASIK is generally a safe procedure. However, it is not recommended for individuals with corneal diseases, active eye infections, or autoimmune disorders.

  • Supracor treatments are also safe and have been delivering successful results for many years.

Alternative Approaches for Addressing Age-Related Focusing Challenges

  • Supracor therapy: An alternative method to traditional laser treatments. It adjusts near, intermediate, and distant vision without the need to remove the lens. It is similar to LASIK but is focused on multiple distances.

  • Low infection risk: Since no incision is made in the eye, the risk of infection is significantly lower.

Does the Problem Recur After Surgery?

Once the corneal layer is treated, the change is permanent. While you may notice a slight shift in vision (approximately 0.50D), the symptoms of age-related focusing difficulties generally do not recur, as the surgical adjustments are lasting.

Treatment Options for Age-Related Focus Loss

Various methods are used to address age-related near vision loss:

  • Smart Lens

  • Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL)

  • Supracor Laser Treatment

  • Glasses and Contact Lenses

  • Laser Surgery (LASIK, Supracor)

  • ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

What is a Smart Lens?

A smart lens is an intraocular lens used to treat age-related focus loss. With its multifocal capabilities, it enables focus on both near and distant objects. It eliminates the need for glasses, enhancing quality of life.

Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL)

A multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) is used to treat age-related near vision issues by providing focus at three different distances: near, intermediate, and far. The natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with the multifocal lens, helping to improve vision at various distances.

Supracor Laser Treatment

  • It is a laser method applied for presbyopia.

  • The cornea is reshaped with a procedure similar to LASIK.

  • It creates a multifocal structure that clarifies both near and distant vision.

Presbyopia Glasses and Contact Lenses

  • Bifocal glasses

  • Multifocal glasses

  • Specially designed multifocal contact lenses

These products help address age-related near vision problems and improve quality of life.

Laser Surgery for Presbyopia

Laser surgery for presbyopia typically involves LASIK or Supracor methods. These procedures reshape the cornea to improve focus at near and far distances, providing a non-invasive option with quick recovery times.

Presbyopia Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common symptoms of presbyopia include:

  • Difficulty focusing on nearby objects

  • Eye strain

  • Discomfort in the eyes

  • Headaches

Presbyopia diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye exam. Personalized treatment options are determined based on the individual’s needs.

ICL for Presbyopia

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is another surgical option for presbyopia. In this method, an additional lens is placed into the eye without removing the natural lens.

  • It is an ideal alternative for individuals who do not wish to use glasses or contact lenses.

Presbyopia Causes

The primary cause of presbyopia is the hardening of the eye’s lens and the loss of elasticity in the eye muscles with age.

  • It typically begins around the age of 40 and progresses over time.

  • Focusing on nearby objects becomes increasingly difficult.

Presbyopia Surgery Recovery

  • After laser treatments like LASIK or Supracor, patients can typically return to their daily activities the following day.

  • Mild discomfort or blurriness may occur for a few hours after the surgery.

  • Since the corneal layer heals quickly, vision typically clears up in a short period.