Presbyopia Treatment

About

Causes

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. This condition typically begins to manifest in individuals over the age of 40, leading to difficulties in activities such as reading, sewing, or working on the computer.

At Vision Clinic Sydney, we offer presbyopia treatments to potentially improve your vision and enhance your quality of life. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring optimal outcomes for your vision health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, contact us for more information on presbyopia treatment options available in Sydney.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a progressive condition where the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it challenging to focus on close objects. This is a natural part of the ageing process and affects nearly everyone to some degree after the age of 40.

Unlike other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, presbyopia is specifically related to ageing. As the lens becomes less elastic, it cannot change shape as easily to focus on close tasks, leading to blurred vision at near and intermediate distances.

You can correct presbyopia, visit our clinic in Sydney to find out more

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia occurs due to the hardening of the lens inside the eye. As we age, the lens becomes less elastic, and the muscles around the lens weaken, reducing the eye’s ability to change its shape to focus on nearby objects.

This results in blurred vision when performing close tasks. Several factors can contribute to the development and progression of presbyopia, including:

Age: The most significant factor; presbyopia typically begins around the age of 40.
Genetics: A family history of presbyopia can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lifestyle: Prolonged close-up work and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can accelerate the onset of presbyopia.

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms of presbyopia typically develop gradually and may include vision problems such as:

Difficulty reading small print
Needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length
Eyestrain or headaches after close work
Blurred vision at normal reading distance
Difficulty seeing in dim lighting

These symptoms can affect daily activities and overall quality of life, making it essential to seek appropriate treatment to manage presbyopia effectively.

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the focusing power of the eyes

How Does Vision Clinic Treat Presbyopia?

There are several methods for treating presbyopia, including:

Glasses and Contact Lenses: Many people with presbyopia choose to wear glasses or wear contact lenses to correct their vision.

Bifocal contact lenses and multifocal lenses are popular choices, as they have different zones for near and distance vision, allowing you to see clearly at various distances. Prescription reading glasses are another common solution for those who only need vision correction for reading and other close-up tasks.
Lens Replacement Surgery: This procedure also known as refractive lens exchange, involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens. It is similar to cataract surgery and may correct presbyopia as well as other refractive errors, potentially providing clearer vision at multiple distances.

These artificial lenses, also known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), are surgically implanted into the eye. While this procedure may significantly reduce dependence on reading glasses for some patients, it’s important to understand that results can vary and there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
Lasik Eye Surgery: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision by changing the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it properly focuses on the retina and allows objects to be seen clearly.

Your eye care specialist will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your individual needs. Each treatment option has its advantages and considerations, which will be discussed during your consultation.

It’s important to understand that all treatments carry potential risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Your eye care professional will provide detailed information about the risks and potential benefits of each option.

Comparing PRESBYOND Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Refractive Lens Exchange

When considering treatment options for presbyopia, it is essential to understand the differences between PRESBYOND laser surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE). Both procedures aim to improve near vision, but they differ in their approaches and outcomes.

PRESBYOND laser eye surgery

Potential Benefits:

Minimally Invasive: The procedure typically involves reshaping the cornea without making incisions, which may result in a quicker recovery time for some patients.
Enhanced Depth of Focus: This technique may create a multifocal effect on the cornea, potentially improving near vision while maintaining distance vision.
Recovery: Many patients report resuming normal activities within a few days after the surgery, but individual experiences may vary.

Considerations:

Results Over Time: The effects may change as the eye continues to age, potentially requiring further interventions.
Scope of Correction: This approach primarily focuses on near vision and may not address other refractive errors to the same extent.
Possible Side Effects: Some patients may experience glare, halos, or visual disturbances, especially in low light conditions.
Patient Suitability: Individuals with certain corneal conditions or severe refractive errors may not be suitable candidates.
Varied Outcomes: The success of the procedure can vary among individuals.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

Potential Benefits:

Comprehensive Vision Correction: RLE may address presbyopia and other refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Long-Term Results: The artificial intraocular lens (IOL) used in RLE is designed to be permanent and may offer stable outcomes.
Visual Quality: Some patients report sharper and clearer vision with RLE, thanks to the biocompatible materials used in modern IOLs.
Wide Suitability: RLE may be suitable for a broad range of patients, including those who are not candidates for corneal laser surgeries.
Multifocal Vision: The artificial lens may provide clear vision at multiple distances for some patients.

Considerations:

Surgical Procedure: RLE is a more invasive procedure compared to laser eye surgery, involving the replacement of the eye’s natural lens.
Recovery Time: Although recovery is generally smooth, it may take a few weeks to fully adjust to the new lens.
Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, inflammation, or issues with the lens implant, although these are relatively rare.

While both PRESBYOND laser eye surgery and refractive lens exchange offer treatments for presbyopia, many patients find RLE to be a comprehensive option. RLE may provide vision correction for multiple refractive errors, potentially long-lasting results, and high-quality vision for suitable candidates.

The Benefits of Presbyopia Treatment

Treating presbyopia can significantly improve your daily life by:

Enhancing your ability to read and perform close-up tasks without discomfort
Reducing eyestrain and headaches associated with presbyopia
Improving your overall quality of life and independence
Providing long-term solutions for clear near vision
Allowing you to enjoy hobbies and activities that require clear near vision, such as reading, sewing, or working on a computer

Risks of Presbyopia Treatment

As with any medical procedure, presbyopia treatments carry some risks, which may include:

Infection or inflammation
Over or under-correction of vision
Glare or halos around lights
Dry eyes or discomfort
Temporary visual disturbances

Your ophthalmologist will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation to ensure you make an informed decision. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

Presbyopia Treatment Cost - Sydney

The cost of presbyopia treatment in Sydney varies depending on the type of procedure and individual case specifics.

A full consultation is required to provide an accurate estimate. During the consultation, your ophthalmologist will discuss the costs associated with the recommended treatment plan and any potential insurance coverage or financing options available

Concerned About Your Vision?
We can help.

Choose Vision Eye Clinic Sydney for Your Presbyopia Treatment

Vision Clinic Sydney offers comprehensive eye examinations and a range of presbyopia treatment options tailored to your needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring optimal outcomes for your vision health.

We use the latest technology and techniques to deliver effective and safe treatments for presbyopia, helping you regain clear near vision and improve your quality of life.

Meet Dr. Kumar

Dr. Nikhil Kumar’s passion for ophthalmology is driven by his admiration for the complexities of the eye. He graduated with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle in 1998 and completed his specialised training in ophthalmology at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008. With further subspecialist cornea training, Dr. Kumar has performed thousands of surgeries, including premium cataract surgery, refractive surgery (laser vision correction), LASIK for presbyopia, and refractive lens exchange.

Areas of expertise:

Cataract surgery
Refractive surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange
Laser vision correction (LASIK, SMILE, TransPRK)
Implantable Collamer Lens Insertion
Transepithelial Collagen Cross Linking
Pterygium surgery
Keratoconus management

How to book an appointment

For the initial visit, you will need to provide a referral letter from your primary care physician or eye specialist in order to qualify for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures done at the clinic.

If you do not have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

Any prescription glasses that you wear
Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
A list of current medications and details of your medical history
Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery time for presbyopia surgery?

Recovery times can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Generally, patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days to a week. However, it is important to follow your ophthalmologist’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Some patients may experience temporary visual disturbances or discomfort during the initial recovery period.

Are there non-surgical options for treating presbyopia?

Yes, non-surgical options include glasses or contact lenses, which can effectively correct presbyopia. Bifocal and multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, making them a convenient and non-invasive solution. Additionally, there are innovative contact lens designs specifically for presbyopia that can offer near and distance vision.

How long do the results of presbyopia treatment last?

The longevity of results varies by treatment type. Surgical options often provide long-term solutions, while eyeglasses or contact lenses require regular updates. For instance, refractive surgeries like LASIK or lens implants can offer permanent improvements, though natural ageing may still affect vision over time. Regular follow-up visits with your eye care specialist are essential to monitor and maintain your vision health.

Can presbyopia be prevented?

Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and cannot be prevented, but it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your eyes from excessive strain, and having regular eye exams can help detect and manage presbyopia early. Treatment options such as glasses, contact lenses, and surgical interventions can significantly improve near vision and reduce the impact of presbyopia on daily activities.

Will my vision continue to change after treatment?

While presbyopia treatment can significantly improve near vision, regular eye exams are necessary to monitor and address any changes in vision over time. Ageing and other factors can still affect your eyesight, so it’s important to stay proactive in your eye care routine. Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on maintaining your vision health and recommend any additional treatments if needed to ensure lasting results.

General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.