What is presbyopia causes How corrected?

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects as we age. This condition is nearly universal and begins around age 45. It is commonly referred to as "age-sightedness" or "farsightedness."

Causes:

The main cause of presbyopia is the age-related changes that occur in the lens of the eye. The lens is a flexible structure that changes shape to help us focus on objects at different distances. As we age, the lens becomes less flexible and loses the ability to change shape effectively. This makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects.

The following age-related changes contribute to the development of presbyopia:

* Lens stiffening: The proteins in the lens become more rigid and less elastic, making it harder for the lens to change shape.

* Lens thickening: The lens gradually thickens with age, which also contributes to the decrease in flexibility.

* Loss of accommodative power: The ciliary muscles, which control the shape of the lens, weaken with age, making it more difficult to change the lens shape.

How is Presbyopia Corrected?

There are several ways to correct presbyopia, including:

Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are the most common correction for presbyopia. They come in various forms, such as bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses. Bifocals have two different prescriptions, one for distance vision and one for near vision. Trifocals have three different prescriptions, one for distance, one for near, and one for intermediate vision. Progressive lenses have a gradual change in prescription from the top of the lens to the bottom, allowing for clear vision at all distances.

Contact lenses: Presbyopia can also be corrected with contact lenses. Multifocal contact lenses are designed specifically to correct presbyopia. There are different types of multifocal contact lenses available, including:

* Monovision: This type of contact lens correction involves wearing one contact lens for distance vision and one for near vision.

* Alternating vision: This type of contact lens correction involves wearing one contact lens that alternates between distance and near vision.

* Simultaneous vision: This type of contact lens correction involves wearing two contact lenses that simultaneously provide clear vision at all distances.

Presbyopia Surgery

There are several surgical options for correcting presbyopia, including:

* Laser refractive surgery: This type of surgery aims to reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors, including presbyopia.

* Clear lens extraction (CLE): This involves surgically removing the clear natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects presbyopia.

* Implantable collamer lens (ICL): This involves inserting a refractive lens between the natural lens and the iris to correct presbyopia.

It's important to consult with an eye doctor to determine the best correction method for your individual needs and preferences.