Treating presbyopia in Melbourne

The eye’s lens can change shape (a process known as accommodation) to maintain a clear image or focus on an object as its distance varies.

However, the lens’ ability to change shape declines over time because of a natural loss of elasticity. Presbyopia is the result of these changes and occurs when we reach our 40’s and 50’s. This is why reading glasses become necessary – they provide the extra focusing power required to see near objects. However, thanks to procedures like LASIK surgery and refractive surgery, getting rid of reading glasses despite your age is still possible. 

To diagnose presbyopia, we perform a clinical examination, reading vision assessment and refraction test (a measurement of the eye’s ability to focus).

This enables us to determine how advanced the presbyopia is, the strength of your prescription and any other eye conditions. 

Surgical solutions include:

• LASIK laser vision correction with monovision

Laser vision correction (LASIK surgery) is possible once you get over 45 years of age. With “Mono-vision”, we correct one eye for distance vision, and the other for near vision which allows you to see in the distance and read without glasses. This solution is not for everybody, and we recommend you have a “contact lens trial” with this correction to find out if you can tolerate this visual discrepancy. It’s an excellent, safe and simple solution which some people love.

• Presbyond® (Blended Vision) combined with LASIK surgery

With PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision we customise the refraction of both eyes for near and distance, creating a ‘blend zone.’ The blend zone essentially makes it easier for the brain to merge the images of both eyes, thereby achieving binocular vision, e.g. how you get around in your day to day life, with both eyes open and working together. 

Presbyond® patients adapt faster, and most are delighted about getting rid of your reading glasses. PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision is tolerated by a high number of patients – up to 97 % (world results).

• Clear lens extraction with multifocal lens implants

Lens extraction is the same surgical procedure as cataract surgery but takes place before an actual cataract (lens opacity) has developed. The surgery is invasive, so has some additional risks when compared to laser surgery. 

We replace your natural lens with an artificial lens that remains in your eye forever. The new lens technologies are very good and allow you to see well in the distance, intermediate and near. 

The visual results of this surgery are excellent. However, it’s important to understand that we cannot replicate the same vision you had when you were younger.

Clear lens extraction with multifocal lens implants is an excellent solution for patients who are over the age of 50 years of age, need glasses for distance and near vision and have otherwise normal eyes.