Presbyopia is derived from the Greek words “Presvis” (senior) and “Opsis” (vision). Presbyopia is the maturity onset phenomenon in which near vision acuity tasks become difficult without optical assistance.
Over time the natural human lens becomes less flexible which prevents the eye from optically adjusting to perform near vision tasks. Presbyopia is a physiologic development over a lifetime and usually starts in the fourth decade.
Presbyopia requires optical remediation of the natural lens inflexibility. The most frequent optical corrections are with glasses, contact lenses and intraocular implants (IOL).
Glasses for the Correction of Presbyopia
Spectacle designs for Presbyopia corrections are designed to have different points of focus built into the lens design. A bifocal would have two points of focus and a trifocal would have three. Depending on the design characteristics of bifocal spectacles the Presbyopic patient with have different areas of optimum view.
Standard bifocal designs
Standard Presbyopia correcting spectacles have visible lines to separate the regions of focus. Alternatively, no line (progressive) bifocals are available for optical correction. No line bifocals provide a discrete spectacle aesthetic appearance that some individuals prefer over the standard designs.
No line progressive bifocal design
Contact lenses for the Correction of Presbyopia
Another optical option for correcting Presbyopia is the use of multifocal contact lenses. These contacts have several zones of focus. Multifocal contact lenses can be difficult to fit as they need to be precisely positioned in the eye to have the proper viewing effect.
Intraocular lens (IOL) for the Correction of Presbyopia
Multifocal IOL Implant Lenses
When the natural lens of the eye needs to be replaced due to optical degradation (also known as a cataract) an eye surgeon can insert correcting implants (IOLs) to help address Presbyopic problems.
A “single best” method for managing Presbyopia does not exist and may require several correction methods working together. Depending on a patient’s individual symptoms it is best that they consult their ophthalmologist to find the best correction for maturity onset Presbyopia.
Presbyopia Video
We found a short video on YouTube that describes how the eye changes over time with the onset of Presbyopia and aging. You can view that video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLotpC9qmuU.
Please contact Westchester Eye Surgeons today if you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss Presbyopia or any other eye conditions you may be suffering from.