Presbyopia Correction & Treatment in Singapore

Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable in our early to mid-40s, making tasks like reading fine print, viewing your phone, or engaging in close-up hobbies increasingly challenging. In Singapore, a considerable 33.9% of the population faced uncorrected presbyopia, highlighting the widespread nature of this visual impairment.

While it’s a universal part of the ageing process, you don’t have to simply accept blurry near vision. At EyeWise Vision Clinic, we offer a range of presbyopia treatment options designed to restore your ability to see clearly up close and enhance your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Presbyopia

Managing presbyopia effectively involves a variety of approaches, from non-surgical aids to surgical solutions. The ideal treatment for each individual depends on factors such as age, overall eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

1. Bifocal Spectacles

Bifocal spectacles are a widely used option for presbyopia correction. These traditional glasses feature two distinct optical zones integrated into a single lens: the upper part is calibrated for distance vision, and the lower segment is designed for comfortable near vision. This dual functionality lets you switch focus between distant and close-up objects, like reading a book or examining intricate details, 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 and consistent solution. They are particularly beneficial for those with both presbyopia and other refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), providing comprehensive visual support.

2. Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses

Alternative nonsurgical correction options involve bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and contact lenses worn for an optical approach called “monovision”. Bifocal or multifocal lenses are designed with multiple power zones, allowing your eyes to focus on a range of distances simultaneously, from near to intermediate to far. “Monovision” involves wearing contact lenses where the dominant eye is fully corrected for distance vision, while the non-dominant eye is intentionally slightly under-corrected, leaving a low amount of myopia or short-sightedness.

This strategic under-correction in one eye enables clear near vision, offering a glasses-free solution for many daily activities. Beyond contact lenses, monovision can also be achieved surgically through laser eye surgery, strategically adjusting the refractive power of each eye to achieve a similar balance for near and distance vision. Both multifocal and monovision contact lenses offer a convenient and discreet way to manage presbyopia.

3. Implantation of Multifocal Lenses

For a more permanent presbyopia treatment, the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) is an effective solution. This surgical procedure, often performed in conjunction with or as part of cataract surgery, replaces the eye’s clouded or aging natural lens with an artificial multifocal lens. This lens is engineered to provide clear vision at various distances—near, intermediate, and far— reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses or bifocals.

This form of eye surgery is ideal for patients who also have cataracts, as it provides correction for both conditions simultaneously, restoring vision and enhancing visual freedom. It’s also a suitable option for those with contact lens intolerance, experiencing issues like dry eyes that make traditional contact lens wear uncomfortable.

Before and After Presbyopia Surgery: What to Expect

Considering surgery for presbyopia is a significant decision. Here’s what you can generally expect before and after your procedure at EyeWise Vision Clinic:

• Pre-Surgery Consultation: You’ll undergo a comprehensive eye examination with our experienced ophthalmologist, Dr Christopher Khng, to assess your suitability for surgery. This includes discussing your medical history, vision goals, and lifestyle.
• Contact Lens Break: You may be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for about a week before your evaluation to ensure your cornea’s natural shape is stable and accurately measured.
• Medical Clearances: Blood tests and other medical evaluations may be required to confirm you are in optimal health for the procedure.
• Detailed Surgical Plan: Dr Khng will discuss the specific type of presbyopia treatment recommended for your eyes, including expected outcomes and recovery.
• Immediate Post-Op Care: Immediately after your correction surgery, Dr Khng will prescribe specific eye drops, typically antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, to prevent infection and manage swelling.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and rubbing your eyes. Reducing screen time is also recommended to support the healing process.
  Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Crucial for monitoring your recovery, assessing vision improvement, and addressing any potential concerns or complications early.
• Assistance During Initial Recovery: It is highly recommended to have someone assist you during the immediate post-operative period as your vision stabilises, especially for tasks like driving.
• Gradual Vision Improvement: While initial improvements are often noticed quickly, your vision will continue to refine over several weeks as your eyes heal and adapt to the new focusing capabilities.

Risks to Consider Before Undergoing Presbyopia Surgery

While eye surgery is generally safe and effective, like all surgical procedures, there are potential risks to be aware of. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail during your consultation, ensuring you make an informed decision about your presbyopia treatment.

• Dry Eyes: A common side effect, dry eyes can cause discomfort, blurred vision, or a gritty sensation. This is usually temporary and manageable with lubricating eye drops.
• Glare and Halos: Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to light, leading to glare or halos around light sources, especially in low-light conditions or at night. These often diminish over time.
• Infection: Although rare, post-operative infections are a serious concern that requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and preserve vision.
• Corneal Haze: Temporary cloudiness in the cornea can affect vision quality. This typically resolves on its own, but persistent cases may require additional treatment.
• Epithelial Ingrowth: This occurs when corneal epithelial cells grow under the flap created during certain presbyopia correction surgery procedures. While uncommon, it may necessitate additional surgical intervention.
• Under or Over-correction: In some cases, the eye may be under-corrected or over-corrected, meaning the desired refractive outcome isn’t fully achieved. This might require additional procedures or reliance on glasses for optimal vision.
• Loss of Best-Corrected Vision: Very rarely, there can be a slight decrease in the sharpness of your vision even with corrective lenses after surgery.

At EyeWise Vision Clinic, our experienced eye specialists are dedicated to providing professional eye care treatments. Beyond comprehensive presbyopia correction services, we offer a wide array of other solutions like advanced cataract surgery and glaucoma laser surgery. Take the first step towards clearer vision and optimal eye health by booking an appointment with us today.