What is Presbyopia? How is it treated?

What is Presbyopia? How is it treated?

Presbyopia is a type of near vision disorder that develops with age and is especially common after the age of 40. This condition, which develops as a result of the eye lens losing its flexibility, makes it difficult for the individual to see nearby objects clearly. Symptoms of the disease usually manifest themselves in tasks that require close-range focus, such as reading a book, using a mobile phone, or sewing. Patients try to read the texts by keeping them at a distance or have difficulty focusing even in sufficient light. Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process of the eye, and although it cannot be completely prevented, its effects can be reduced.

What is Presbyopia (Near Vision Impairment)?

Presbyopia is a near vision problem that occurs especially as a result of the eye lens losing its flexibility. With age, the natural focusing ability of the eye decreases. This situation manifests itself with complaints of nearsightedness, especially after the age of 40. At a young age, the eye lens can easily focus on objects at different distances thanks to its flexible structure. However, over time, this flexibility disappears and clarity decreases. Presbyopia is a result of physiological aging in the eye and is one of the most common visual disorders. Taking care of eye health can slow down its progression, but it may not be possible to completely eliminate the condition.

What is the Difference Between Presbyopia and Hyperopia?

Although presbyopia and hyperopia are both conditions that cause near vision impairment, they occur for different reasons. Hypermetropia is generally a congenital refractive error; It occurs because the eyeball is short or the cornea is flat. Presbyopia is an age-related vision defect that develops as a result of the eye lens losing its flexibility and occurs in all individuals at a certain age.

What Causes Near Vision Impairment?

Presbyopia occurs because the eye lens hardens and loses its flexibility with age. In this natural process, the eye lens has difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Presbyopia is considered to be caused by the aging process and is therefore common in individuals over the age of 40.

• Chronic Diseases — Chronic diseases such as diabetes can accelerate presbyopia.
• Close Working — Working in jobs that focus on close proximity for long periods of time increases the risk.
• UV Exposure — Long-term exposure to sunlight has an accelerating effect.
• Genetic Predisposition — A family history of early presbyopia increases the risk.
• Smoking — Smoking can contribute to premature hardening of the eye lens.

At What Age Does Presbyopia Start?

The problem of nearsightedness, which usually occurs over the age of 40, may vary from person to person. While it starts at the age of 38 in some individuals, it may not show symptoms until the age of 45 in others. However, the generally accepted age range is 40-45. After this age, difficulty in focusing on objects such as books or phone screens occurs.

Does Presbyopia Progress?

Presbyopia is a progressive vision disorder. After the first symptoms are noticed, their severity may increase over the years; During this period, the need for glasses increases and prescriptions may change. It may progress faster, especially in the first years. It is necessary to keep the glasses prescription up to date by following the symptoms of the disease accurately.

What are the Risk Factors?

• Age — Age is the most important factor; The risk increases significantly after the age of 40.
• Genetic Predisposition — Having a family history of presbyopia increases the risk.
• Systemic Diseases — Diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis pave the way for early onset.
• Sunlight — Excessive exposure to sunlight accelerates lens aging.
• Cigarettes and Alcohol — Smoking and alcohol use may cause presbyopia to occur earlier.
• Long-Term Screen Use — Staring at a computer screen for a long time can tire the eye muscles and cause symptoms to begin early.
• Hormonal Changes — Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can have an accelerating effect.

What Should Be Done to Prevent Presbyopia?

• Sunglasses — It is recommended to use sunglasses that will protect the eyes from UV rays.
• Healthy Nutrition — A healthy and balanced diet supports eye health.
• Cigarettes and Alcohol — Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption may slow its progression.
• Regular Inspection — Regular eye examination ensures early detection.
• Screen Break — It is recommended to rest your eyes by taking breaks in front of the screen.
• Eye Exercises — Exercises around the eyes can be done.

What are the symptoms of presbyopia?

• Difficulty Focusing on Nearby — Difficulty focusing on nearby objects.
• The Need to Keep Away — There is a need to keep the book, phone or tablet screen away.
• Eye Strain — Eye fatigue is felt while reading.
• Headache — Headache and blurred vision may occur.
• Difficulty in Dim Light — Difficulty in vision becomes evident in insufficient light.
• Nearsightedness — The general feeling of nearsightedness limits daily life.

How is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

Presbyopia is diagnosed with a detailed eye examination. Tests such as refraction test, visual acuity test and measurement of near focusing ability are applied. The most appropriate treatment method is determined in line with the patient's eye structure, complaints and needs. In this process, the evaluation of a specialist ophthalmologist is critical.

Presbyopia (Near Vision Impairment) Treatment

• Glasses — It is the most commonly used method. Reading glasses or multifocal glasses may be preferred.
• Contact Lens — Monovision or multifocal lens options are available; It may not be suitable for all patients.
• Laser Treatment — By intervening in the corneal structure of the eye, the ability to focus is gained.
• Surgical Methods — These are more permanent methods such as intraocular lens placement.
• Orthoptic Exercises — It can be supportive, especially in initial cases.

Can Presbyopia Be Cured Completely?

Since the disease develops as a result of the eye lens losing its flexibility, it is completely irreversible. However, with treatment, the patient's quality of daily life can be significantly improved. Surgical treatments and laser applications may offer longer-term solutions. The need for glasses can be minimized by choosing the right treatment.

Presbyopia Surgery

Presbyopia surgery is especially suitable for those looking for an alternative to glasses or contact lenses. The postoperative recovery process is usually rapid and patients begin to see clearly near and far in a short time. However, not every patient may be suitable for this procedure.

• Multifocal Intraocular Lens — Multifocal lens implants are used to correct both near and far vision with a single surgery.
• Monovision Laser — One eye is adjusted with a laser for near vision and the other eye for distance vision.
• PresbyLASIK — It is a laser application specially developed for presbyopia; The cornea is shaped according to different focal areas.
• Scleral Implants — Ciliary muscle function is supported by placing small implants around the eyeball.

Frequently Asked Questions