Presbyopia

Lens Replacement Surgery can significantly reduce dependence on reading glasses, particularly with lens options designed to provide vision across more than one distance. No lens can guarantee that you will never need glasses again.

Some people may still prefer or require glasses for particular tasks, such as very small print or certain lighting conditions. Your surgeon will explain what you can realistically expect from the lens recommended for you.

Presbyopia is a normal consequence of ageing and affects almost everyone to some degree. The age at which you first notice it and the amount of correction you need can vary.

Even people who have always had excellent eyesight, or who previously had laser eye surgery, can develop presbyopia as their natural lens ages.

Hypermetropia, also called long-sightedness or hyperopia, and presbyopia can both make near vision difficult, but they have different causes.

Hypermetropia is a refractive error related to how the eye focuses light and can occur at different ages, while presbyopia is an age-related reduction in the flexibility of the natural lens that typically becomes noticeable from the 40s onwards. It is possible to have both at the same time.

Lens Replacement Surgery is a recognised procedure but still carries risks, which your surgeon will discuss with you. Choosing the right intraocular lens is crucial: multifocal or extended-range lenses can reduce reliance on glasses across distances but may cause glare or halos, especially at night.

Some patients might still need glasses for specific activities. Your consultation will help you balance these factors against the potential benefits.

Lens Replacement is an option for people in their mid-40s and older with established presbyopia who want to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

Suitability is assessed on your prescription, near, intermediate and distance vision needs, cornea and retina health, the condition of your natural lens, any cataract changes, and your lifestyle. Your clinical team will determine whether Lens Replacement or another option is best for you.

No. LASIK cannot treat presbyopia because it reshapes the cornea rather than addressing the age-related changes in the natural lens.

If you rely on reading glasses, we can assess whether another treatment option may be suitable.

No. Laser eye surgery cannot treat presbyopia, because it does not restore the natural lens's ability to focus up close.

If you are dependent on reading glasses, we can assess whether another treatment option may be more appropriate.

Presbyopia can be corrected in several ways, depending on your vision needs, eye health and lifestyle. Options may include reading glasses, bifocal or varifocal glasses, multifocal or monovision contact lenses, laser-based vision correction for selected patients, or Lens Replacement Surgery where suitable.

A detailed eye assessment can help determine which approach is most appropriate for your prescription and individual circumstances.

The natural age-related stiffening of the eye's lens is not reversible. Vision can nevertheless be corrected so that close-up tasks become clearer.

The best option depends on your eyes and whether you prefer glasses, contact lenses or a surgical approach.

Presbyopia cannot currently be reversed by making the natural ageing lens flexible again. It can be corrected or compensated for in several ways, including reading glasses, multifocal or varifocal lenses, contact lenses and surgical vision correction for suitable patients.

Lens Replacement Surgery takes a different approach by removing the ageing natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens selected to provide the most appropriate range of focus.

Young eyes can change focus easily because their natural lenses are flexible. With age, the lens gradually stiffens and loses this ability.

Because this ageing process happens to almost everyone, presbyopia is an extremely common part of getting older.

Presbyopia is caused mainly by age-related changes to the natural lens inside your eye. As the lens becomes less flexible, it cannot change shape as effectively to focus on nearby objects.

It commonly becomes noticeable during your 40s and progresses gradually with age. It is not caused by reading too much, using screens, poor diet or overworking your eyes.