Presbyopia2024-04-12T14:01:09+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!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Shamina inspired me by her attention and attitude. Her clear precise honest and patient consultation enabled me to feel relaxed and confidant by her explanation of my treatment at every stage .”

Verified patient on Doctify
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I have no hesitation recommending Sharmina Khan. Sharmina and her team at Moorfields Private (both at Bath St and New Cavendish St) were excellent. At each stage the risks and benefits of cataract surgery were explained.”

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant who left a lasting impression on me. Her expertise and passion for her field were evident throughout our consultation..”

Verified patient on Doctify
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Friendly, explained everything in detail. Put my mind at ease before the operation and felt safe and confident in her hands.”

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

very friendly and explained everything.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Had cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously last week and, 7 days later, the vision is brilliant. I can see to read as well, including small print smaller than I expected! I can see car number plates at the end of the road. Everything was excellent, and I could not have wished for anything better.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My cataract surgery was a great experience. My vision is now brighter; overall, I felt informed and secure throughout, and I am glad I did it and definitely recommend Sharmina Khan. Everyone at the hospital was great, very professional, friendly, and treated me very nicely. During the surgery, I didn’t feel any pain at any time. The recovery was very easy and smooth.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was very nervous about having cataract surgery, as I have other medical conditions in both eyes. Ms. Khan allayed all of my fears and explained everything in detail to me. Now that both surgeries are completed, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m seeing things I’ve not been able to see properly in years. Amazing!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided thoughtful, easy-to-understand explanations. Her depth of knowledge and ability to address my questions left me thoroughly satisfied with her services. I highly recommend Ms. Sharmina Khan to anyone seeking expert eye care and guidance.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had cataract surgery in both eyes. The procedure was painless, easy to understand, and swift. My anxiety levels were very low, and recovery was quick and easy. I was just so relaxed. My vision was like being Wonder Woman. It was so clear, and it was like someone had cleaned a window. Now, my vision is fine for reading, computer use, and using a sewing machine.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Extremely happy with vision following cataract surgery. I wish I had it done sooner. The colors I am experiencing, I didn’t know existed. The experience was really good; it wasn’t much painful. I really enjoyed the sandwiches afterward. When I got home, I saw every little mark on the walls and now am cleaning up!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

6/5. Incredibly impressed with Miss Khan’s bedside manner and operation and consultation. I have had the Synergy toric lens and have experienced a dramatic increase in distance vision. Now, I am able to read stuff on the television perfectly, and reading small print, I can now read the back of a tin of beans!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miss Khan was very professional, and both my eyes had trifocal intra-ocular lens implants (toric in the left). The risks and benefits were explained to my satisfaction, and I was very nervous. However, the procedure and the recovery were painless. I now have perfect unaided vision in both eyes and would recommend Miss Khan, 10 out of 10.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I’m so pleased I sought Sharmina Khan’s help. My dry eye problem was debilitating. I turned up to my appointment in a very worried state and left reassured. My eyes are now vastly better. I feel in good hands. Thank you!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have had Lipiflow a few times now, and I couldn’t do without it because it really gets rid of my gritty and sore eyes for months at a time. Lipiflow has helped me go back to doing normal things without getting frustrated, like driving, tolerating air conditioning, generally tolerating different humidity levels, and not feeling like I need to use eye drops all the time. I would highly recommend it.

Verified patient on Doctify

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

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.

I have a special interest in Dry Eye & Blepharitis. Since 2020 SK Eye Clinic at 46 Wimpole Street is one of the few clinics in London to offer the Lipiflow and Blephex treatments. I have taken a holistic approach with my clients and their recommended treatments. There is a solution for all silently suffering.

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