Surgical Options for Presbyopia

”Doc, isn’t there a surgery for my condition?”

Yes, presbyopia is a “condition”, but it is not the end of the world. Finding the best way to correct presbyopia has become big business and of course surgeries have become available. As of right now, there are two viable solutions. Be warned, if you go in for an elective surgery, do your due diligence to ensure this is truly what you want. And remember, information on this site is just that, “information only”. When it comes to refractive eye surgery, only you and your ophthalmologist can decide what is best for you.

One common surgery performed is actually cataract surgery. Remember that it is the lens inside the eye that loses elasticity. It is that same lens that eventually clouds. This clouding is referred to as a cataract. Historically, when the lens becomes so clouded that it affects functional vision, the lens is removed. A new lens is put in it’s place and vision is restored. That is cataract surgery in a nutshell.

The lens that is used to replace the cataract is available in multifocal styles. Therefore, it is perceivable that your “cataract” can be prematurely removed and replaced with a multifocal intra ocular lens.

While cataract surgery is a fairly common and safe procedure, keep in mind that doing it this way is elective. And multifocal IOL’s are still in development. It is this writer’s opinion to hang in there. I’d suggest a pair of stylish reading glasses and maybe some multifocal contact lenses before rushing to the operating room.

Another surgical method to alleviate the frustration of presbyopia is called conductive keroplasty. CK surgery uses heat to steepen the aspheric nature of your cornea. This in turn will give your cornea more reading capability. For more information on CK surgery for presbyopia, visit allaboutvision.com.

When evaluating surgery for presbyopia, keep a couple things in mind. Presbyopia is progressive. Remember that it is caused by a long term loss of elasticity to your crystalline lens. Correcting your presbyopia when you are 47 is a totally different story than correcting it when you are 62. Correcting near vision with glasses or contacts means an upgrade in the prescription every couple years. Surgery means a re-visit to the surgeon.

Whether you choose, contact lenses, reading glasses, surgery, or a combination of the above. Remember to laugh and have fun. Presbyopia happens to everybody, just enjoy it. It gives you whole new thing to talk about. And don’t forget to slip a pocket peeper into your wallet.