Presbyopia Correction & Treatment in Singapore
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, typically starting in our 40s, where the lens in the eye becomes less flexible, leading to difficulty focusing on close objects. This condition progresses until around age 60. Symptoms include difficulty reading small text or needing brighter lighting for close work. Treatment options vary from reading aids to surgical interventions.
Types of Presbyopia
Different types of presbyopia can affect how soon or severely you experience symptoms:
- Incipient Presbyopia: Early signs like subtle difficulty reading fine print.
- Nocturnal Presbyopia: Struggles with near vision in low-light settings.
- Premature Presbyopia: Onset before age 40 due to health factors.
- Functional Presbyopia: Daily activities become increasingly challenging.
- Absolute Presbyopia: Complete inability to focus on near objects.
Book a consultation to understand which type of presbyopia affects you and explore tailored treatments.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty reading fine print or small text.
- Eye strain and frequent headaches after close work.
- Holding reading material farther away to focus.
- Double vision when looking at nearby objects.
Experiencing these symptoms? Schedule an eye check-up today at EyeWise Vision Clinic for early diagnosis and effective management.
Diagnosis of Presbyopia
Presbyopia diagnosis involves:
- Initial Consultation: Discussing your symptoms and vision issues.
- Medical History Review: Understanding your overall health and medication use.
- Visual Acuity Test: Measuring how well you see at different distances.
- Refraction Assessment: Determining your prescription.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: Checking the health of your eye structures.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
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 can also correct presbyopia, especially if cataracts are present. This procedure replaces the clouded lens with a multifocal lens, offering clear vision at various distances—near, intermediate, and far.
Ideal Scenarios for Multifocal Lenses
- Cataracts Present: Ideal for patients with cataracts, restoring vision and reducing the need for glasses.
- Contact Lens Intolerance: Suitable for those with dry eyes or other issues making contact lenses uncomfortable.
Presbyopia Surgery: Preparation, Recovery & Risks
Before Surgery
Before undergoing eye surgery for presbyopia, it is essential to consult with your ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your suitability for the procedure. Your eye doctor may recommend stopping contact lens use a week prior to the evaluation to ensure your cornea’s shape is in its natural state. Additionally, blood tests and other medical evaluations may be required to confirm that you are fit for surgery.
Post-Surgery Care
After presbyopia correction surgery, your eye doctor will prescribe specific eye drops, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, to prevent infection and manage swelling. It is crucial to follow your medication schedule and make lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding strenuous activities and reducing screen time, to support the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor recovery and address any complications early. Having someone assist you during the initial recovery phase is also recommended as your vision stabilizes.
Potential Risks
- Dry Eyes: A common but usually temporary side effect, dry eyes can cause discomfort and may require lubricating eye drops for relief.
- Glare and Halos: Increased sensitivity to light may lead to glare or halos around light sources, especially in low-light conditions.
- Infection: Although rare, post-operative infections are a serious concern that requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
- Corneal Haze: Temporary cloudiness in the cornea can affect vision quality but usually resolves on its own. Persistent cases may need treatment.
- Epithelial Ingrowth: This occurs when corneal epithelial cells grow under the flap created during surgery and may require additional surgical intervention.
Understanding these aspects of presbyopia surgery can help you prepare effectively, recover well, and be aware of potential risks. Get professional eye care treatments from our eye specialists at EyeWise Vision Clinic. Beyond presbyopia correction, we offer various other eye care services, including diabetic eye screening, dry eye treatment, glaucoma surgery, and more. Take the first step towards comprehensive eye health by booking an appointment today.
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