Eye Conditions & Treatments
Understanding your eye health is the first step toward protecting your vision. Explore the conditions we commonly diagnose and treat at Curtis Vision. Each section explains what the condition is, its symptoms, and the treatment options available.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that affects a person’s ability to focus on objects up close. The lens of the eye hardens and becomes less flexible, making text, images, and objects appear blurry up close. And nearly everyone over the age of 40 experiences some degree of presbyopia.
But that doesn’t mean it should affect you. We'll help you correct and treat your presbyopia so you can live your life to the fullest.
Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Causes: Presbyopia is caused by aging and usually occurs in patients between the age of 45 and 65. It’s more common in those who spend a lot of time reading, sewing, or using their phone close to their face.
Symptoms: Though the symptoms of presbyopia will vary from person to person, the most common signs that you’re experiencing long-sightedness as a result of aging are:
- Difficulty reading small or fine print
- Headaches, tired or sore eyes when reading
- Lack of hand-eye control when catching or holding things
- Blurred vision at “normal” reading distance
- Need for extra lighting when working or reading
Diagnosis: Presbyopia is diagnosed with a routine eye exam that includes a refraction assessment and general eye health analysis.
Treatment
There is no cure for presbyopia. But with a custom treatment plan designed just for you, our optometrists can help you combat aging and improve your eye condition.
Over-the-Counter Glasses
Most patients start with over-the-counter (OTC) glasses or ready-made spectacles to improve their vision while reading, driving, or watching television. Though they may help initially and for mild cases, they’re not a comfortable long-term solution for dealing with presbyopia.
Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses are the most common treatment option for presbyopia. Unlike OTC lenses, prescription glasses are personalized to your needs and condition. Our NZ optometrists can set you up with everyday prescription glasses and/or specific lenses for reading, using the computer, sewing, sports, and more.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses contain two prescriptions in one lens, enabling you to focus on objects that are both far away and up close. Generally, patients switch to bifocal lenses as their condition progresses.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a treatment option for presbyopia, but they have their limitations. Most patients opt to correct one eye for long-sightedness and the other for near-sightedness, also known as monovision. Though it enables patients to read and work, it impacts depth perception.
Newer contact lenses have the ability to correct both presbyopia and hyperopia with the same lens. The brain then selects the text or object it wants to focus on and filters out images at other distances.
LASIK Eye Surgery
There are several laser eye surgery treatments for presbyopia, though these are usually reserved for extreme cases or in those that are unable to wear glasses or contacts. The most effective option is Monovision LASIK, which produces similar results to the two-prescription contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition where the lens inside the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on close objects. It typically becomes noticeable around the age of 40.
What causes presbyopia?
Presbyopia occurs naturally as part of the ageing process. Over time, the lens of the eye becomes less elastic, reducing its ability to adjust focus for close-up tasks.
What are the symptoms of presbyopia?
Common symptoms include difficulty reading small print, needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue after close-up work.
How is presbyopia different from hyperopia?
While both conditions affect near vision, they have different causes. Hyperopia (far-sightedness) is due to the shape of the eye and can occur at any age, whereas presbyopia is specifically related to ageing and the lens losing flexibility.
Can presbyopia be prevented?
Presbyopia cannot be prevented as it is a natural part of ageing. However, regular eye exams and appropriate vision correction can help manage the condition effectively.
How is presbyopia treated?
Treatment options for presbyopia include:
- Reading glasses: For near-vision tasks.
- Bifocal or multifocal lenses: Correct vision at multiple distances.
- Contact lenses: Multifocal or monovision contact lenses.
- Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK or lens implants may provide a long-term solution
Can I still wear contact lenses with presbyopia?
Yes, many people with presbyopia use contact lenses. Options include multifocal contact lenses or monovision lenses, where one lens is prescribed for distance vision and the other for near vision.
Does presbyopia get worse over time?
Presbyopia gradually progresses as you age, typically stabilising around the age of 65. Regular adjustments to your corrective lenses may be needed to maintain clear vision.
What is monovision correction?
Monovision correction is a treatment for presbyopia where one eye is fitted with a lens for distance vision and the other with a lens for near vision. This approach can be achieved with contact lenses or refractive surgery.
Is presbyopia the same as age-related macular degeneration?
No, presbyopia and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are different conditions. Presbyopia is related to the lens losing flexibility, while AMD affects the retina and can lead to central vision loss.
At what age does presbyopia typically start?
Presbyopia usually starts to become noticeable in your early to mid-40s, although the exact age can vary between individuals.
When should I see an optometrist about presbyopia?
You should see an optometrist if you experience difficulty focusing on close objects, frequent eye strain, or headaches. Regular eye exams are important to detect presbyopia and any other potential eye conditions.
Are there surgical options for presbyopia?
Yes, surgical options such as LASIK, lens implants, or corneal inlays are available for certain individuals. Your eye specialist can recommend the best approach based on your specific needs and eye health.
Can presbyopia be corrected naturally?
There is no way to reverse presbyopia but it can easily be cured with reading glasses. In most cases, these OTC glasses can help patients read, work, and operate machinery at a close distance.
