Presbyopia Treatment in Singapore
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, typically starting in our 40s due to the gradual stiffening of the lens in the eye, resulting in decreased ability to focus on close objects. This condition progresses until around 60 years of age, with initial symptoms often involving difficulty reading fine print or needing brighter lighting. As it advances, reading aids or surgical options may be required.
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Treatment Options for Presbyopia
Several treatment options are available for presbyopia, and the most suitable option for each individual may vary depending on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Some common treatment options include:
1. Bifocal Spectacles
Bifocal spectacles are a widely used option for presbyopia correction. These glasses feature two distinct optical zones: the upper part is for distance vision, and the lower is for near vision. This dual functionality lets you switch focus between distant and close-up objects without changing glasses.While some individuals with myopia might find relief by simply removing their glasses for close-up tasks, bifocal spectacles offer a more versatile solution. They are useful for those with both presbyopia and other refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia.2. Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses
Alternative nonsurgical methods involve bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and contact lenses worn for an optical approach called “monovision”. Essentially, this calls for full optical presbyopia correction with a contact lens in the master eye, with slight under-correction in the other eye, leaving a low amount of myopia or short-sightedness. This low amount of myopia allows clear near vision.3. Implantation of Multifocal Lenses
Cataract surgery is often recommended for presbyopia correction, particularly when cataracts are already present. During this procedure, the clouded lens is replaced with a multifocal lens, which provides clear vision at various distances—distance, intermediate, and near. This approach helps prevent the progression of presbyopia by addressing it directly through the lens implant.Read More
About Dr Christopher Khng
Dr. Christopher Khng specialises in Complex Cataract and Anterior Segment Reconstruction Surgery, particularly Iris Reconstruction and Surgery for Aniridia. His other areas of expertise include Complex Lens surgery, New Lens and Phacoemulsification technologies, Refractive surgery, Phakic IOLs (the Implantable Collamer Lens, ICL), and small-incision, topical anaesthesia phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
He completed his first two years of medical undergraduate studies at Aberdeen University, Scotland (UK). Because of cost, he completed his medical degree of MBBS at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Dr. Khng served as Registrar, then Associate Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). Following his stint in SNEC, Dr. Khng was a Consultant at The Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Dr. Khng’s interest in correcting Presbyopia employs a multi-faceted approach, including progressive lens implant technologies and surgical methods like corneal inlays and monovision strategies. By conducting thorough pre-operative assessments, he provides treatment plans to match each patient’s visual requirements and lifestyle needs. His approach aims to help near vision and reduce the reliance on reading glasses, offering a more functional range of vision for daily activities.
Dr Christopher Khng
MBBS, M.Med(Ophth), FRCS(Edin), AMS(Ophth 2003) Consultant Ophthalmologist