Presbyopia2024-05-27T06:46:27+00:00

Presbyopia unveiled: Understanding age-related vision changes

Discover how refractive lens exchange can seamlessly restore your vision and free you from the constraints of reading glasses.

Presbyopia unveiled: Understanding age-related vision changes

Discover how refractive lens exchange can seamlessly restore your vision and free you from the constraints of reading glasses.

Turning back the clock on presbyopia: Your guide to clear vision

Discover more about this condition and how it is treated

Presbyopia is when the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it hard to see things up close clearly.

Normally, our eye lens changes shape to focus on objects near and far. It thickens for close-up views and thins for distance. Around our 40s, we lose this ability, known as presbyopia. By 50, nearly everyone experiences it.

Symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision up close, beginning after age 40
  • Trouble focusing between near and far objects
  • Tired eyes and headaches from close tasks
Presbyopia happens as we get older and is something that will happen to everyone. It’s when the lens inside our eye, which usually has the ability to change shape, starts to get stiff. When we’re young, this lens can easily change shape to help us see things up close and far away. But as we grow older, starting around our 40s, it doesn’t bend as easily. This makes it hard to see things that are close to us clearly.

This change is all because the proteins in our eye’s lens and the muscles around it get less stretchy over time. So, when we try to look at something up close, like a book or a phone, it might look blurry. That’s why older people often need reading glasses or special lenses to help us see things close up again.

Diagnosing presbyopia involves a standard eye examination conducted by an eye care professional. During the exam, your vision will be tested at various distances to determine how well you can see close-up and far away. One key test is the visual acuity test, which measures how clearly you can see letters or symbols from a specific distance.

Additionally, a refraction test may be performed to determine the best lens strength needed to improve your near vision. The eye doctor might also use a slit lamp, which magnifies and illuminates the front part of your eye, to examine the health of your eyes and to check for other potential vision problems.

This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps guide the most effective treatment plan for presbyopia.

For temporary relief, people with presbyopia often turn to reading glasses or contact lenses. However, we provide surgical options to permanently address presbyopia, eliminating the need for reading glasses. These procedures, such as refractive lens exchange or RLE and laser treatments offer lasting vision correction.

Can presbyopia be prevented?

Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and cannot be prevented.

Are there any risks associated with presbyopia treatments?

Common risks include glare, halos, and difficulty with night vision after surgery.

Can presbyopia worsen over time?

Yes, presbyopia tends to worsen gradually with age, requiring stronger corrective measures.

Can lifestyle changes help manage presbyopia?

Yes, maintaining good overall eye health, adequate lighting for reading, and regular eye exams can help manage presbyopia symptoms.

Turn Back Time: Can You Say Goodbye to Your Reading Glasses?

Step into a life where reading glasses are a memory. Take the first step to experiencing the joy of youthful vision once again with a free assessment.

Turn back time: Can you say goodbye to your reading glasses?

Step into a life where reading glasses are a memory. Take the first step to experiencing the joy of youthful vision once again with a free assessment.

See the world anew in 3 simple steps

Navigating the path to better vision can seem daunting, but with refractive lens exchange (RLE), the journey to clear sight is clear and straightforward.

Reach out

The first step towards a life without reading glasses begins with a conversation. Contact our dedicated team at
020 7112 4921 or book your free video appointment online. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you have all the information you need.

Your personalised assessment

During your comprehensive assessment, Sharmina Khan will discuss your vision goals and evaluate your suitability for refractive lens exchange. We take the time to understand your lifestyle and vision needs, providing you with a tailored recommendation. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how RLE can enhance your vision and fit into your life.

Experience a vivid new world

Post-treatment, you’ll join countless others who have rediscovered the vibrancy of life with enhanced vision. Imagine reading the smallest print, enjoying outdoor activities, or driving without the inconvenience of glasses or contacts. Our patients often express joy at the renewed ease of everyday tasks and wish they had taken this step sooner.

Real stories, real freedom: How countless individuals escaped the grip of reading glasses

Uncover their journey to revitalised vision and your path to ditching dependence!

Unlock your vision’s potential with our quick 2-minute quiz!

Embrace a world where glasses are a thing of the past and quickly discover if refractive lens exchange is the right choice for you. Uncover the possibilities of a life with crystal-clear vision, tailored to your unique needs.

Unlock Your Vision’s Potential with our quick 2-Minute quiz!

Embrace a world where glasses are a thing of the past and quickly discover if refractive lens exchange is the right choice for you. Uncover the possibilities of a life with crystal-clear vision, tailored to your unique needs.

We answer your questions about premium cataract surgery treatment in London

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about restoring your vision

For more information about presbyopia

Expand your knowledge about presbyopia. (These links will take you off our website.)

Presbyopia is an age-related loss of lens accommodation that results in an inability to focus at near distances. It is the most common physiological change occurring in the adult eye and is thought to cause universal near vision impairment with advancing age. This seminal paper focuses on prevalence, interventions, and the future. Click here for more information.

Presbyopia affects over a billion people globally, with up to 50% prevalence in those over 50, due to limited awareness and access to affordable treatments. Definitions vary, prompting a proposed redefinition. Strategies include optical devices like reading glasses, multifocal lenses, monovision techniques, and surgical options. Click here for more information.

Sharmina Khan

MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon

Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan

I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.

I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.

In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.

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