Reverse ageing: why you should correct presbyopia before having eyelid surgery
As we age, our eyes often show the first signs of ageing. Two common issues are presbyopia and drooping eyelids. Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, while drooping eyelids can make you look tired and older. Many people consider eyelid surgery to rejuvenate their appearance, but it’s important to correct presbyopia first. This blog post will explain why and how doing so can lead to better overall results.
Understanding Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing. It typically begins in your early to mid-40s. The eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects. Symptoms include blurry vision when reading, eye strain, and headaches. You might find yourself holding reading materials at arm’s length to see them clearly.
Why Correct Presbyopia First?
1. Comprehensive Vision Improvement
Correcting presbyopia first minimises the risk of requiring re-do lid surgery. It ensures that your vision is fully optimised. This means you can see clearly both up close and at a distance. After addressing presbyopia, your vision will be sharper and more precise, which is crucial for evaluating the results of any subsequent cosmetic procedures.
2. Better Aesthetic Outcomes
When you correct presbyopia before eyelid surgery, you ensure that your eyes function well and look good. Clear, sharp vision complements the aesthetic improvements from eyelid surgery. Together, they create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Doing it this way round reduces the risk of requiring re-do lid surgery.
3. Accurate Surgical Planning
Correcting presbyopia can affect the appearance of your eyes. For example, the way you hold your head or squint to see better can change once your vision is corrected. In addition there may be drooping of the upper eyelids which can worsen after refractive lens exchange surgery employed to correct presbyopia. This means your surgeon can plan your eyelid surgery more accurately, taking into account your new visual capabilities and eyelid position and ensuring the best possible outcome.
4. Enhanced Post-Surgery Experience
After eyelid surgery, you’ll want to see the results clearly. Correcting presbyopia first means you won’t need to struggle with blurry vision while recovering. You’ll be able to appreciate the full benefits of the surgery without the distraction of vision problems. By correcting your presbyopia first there is a significantly reduced risk of your lid surgery requiring a re-do as the eyelids will not be manipulated again.
How to Correct Presbyopia
1. Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are the simplest solution. They magnify close-up objects, making them easier to see. However, they only provide a temporary fix and need to be used whenever you do close-up work.
2. Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
In patients over 50 years of age Refractive Lens Exchange surgery involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) can correct presbyopia and other vision issues simultaneously, providing a long-term solution.
3. Laser Refractive Surgery
In younger patients Laser Refractive surgery, such as Presbyond, can correct presbyopia by reshaping the cornea.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes, giving you a more youthful and rested appearance.
Benefits of Prebyopia correction followed by eyelid surgery
1. Comprehensive Rejuvenation
Planning presbyopia correction followed by eyelid surgery offers a comprehensive approach to rejuvenation. You address both functional and aesthetic concerns, resulting in a more complete and satisfying outcome.
2. Confidence Boost
Clear vision and a refreshed appearance can significantly boost your confidence. You’ll feel better about how you look and how you see the world around you.
3. Long-Term Satisfaction
By addressing presbyopia first, you ensure long-term satisfaction with your eyelid surgery results. Your vision remains clear, and your eyes look their best, reducing the need for future touch-ups or corrective procedures.
Steps to Take
1. Take a Suitability Self-Test
Take a suitability self-test to find out if you’re a good candidate for presbyopia correction and eyelid surgery. This can provide valuable insights into what treatments will work best for you.
2. Book a Free video appointment
Before proceeding with any surgery, book a free video appointment. This will help determine the best course of action for your specific needs and ensure your eyes are healthy and ready for the procedures.
3. Consult with Refractive Lens Specialist Sharmina Khan
Consult with Sharmina Khan a refractive lens exchange surgeon who can recommend an oculo-plastic surgeon. They can work together to create a coordinated treatment plan that addresses both your vision and aesthetic concerns.
4. Follow Post-Operative Care
After your surgeries, follow all post-operative care instructions. This ensures a smooth recovery and maximises the benefits of both procedures.
Unsure if you’re a candidate for presbyopia correction or eyelid surgery? Take a suitability self-test to find out. This quick and easy test can guide you towards the right treatments and ensure you achieve the best possible results.
In conclusion, correcting presbyopia before having eyelid surgery ensures optimal vision and enhances the aesthetic outcomes of the surgery. By addressing both issues, you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance with clear, sharp vision.
Take the first step today by booking a free video appointment.
Are you suitable for vision treatments?
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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.