Presbyopia is a shared vision defect that typically occurs after the age of 40. It causes problems with reading, working at a computer, or focusing on very close objects. This article delves into the causes of presbyopia and its treatment options.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a visual defect that occurs after the age of 40. As we age, the central portion of the crystalline lens undergoes progressive hardening and increases in volume. This causes the human eye’s functionality to deteriorate. The hardened significant part of the crystalline lens increases its refractive index, creating problems in focusing.

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by a progressive loss of flexibility of the natural lenses found in the eye, caused by hardening of the central portion of the lens. A protein in the lens becomes less elastic and more voluminous as a person ages, leading to presbyopia. This hurts the muscle fibers surrounding the lens. Age is the most critical risk factor for presbyopia. Suppose presbyopia occurs before the age of 40. In that case, it may be caused by other conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, or the use of medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Other factors that may cause the onset of presbyopia include smoking, trauma, exposure to radiation, or failure to correct another vision defect that has caused the lens to do compensatory work (farsightedness).

How to Treat Presbyopia

Treatment options for presbyopia depend on the severity of the disorder and the patient’s condition. They include:

  • Spectacle lenses, which can be monofocal or progressive
  • Contact lenses for bilateral or advanced correction, possibly in monovision (only the non-dominant eye is corrected)
  • Surgical treatment

Regarding surgical treatment, the ophthalmologist may consider Femto Lasik Supracor surgery, allowing patients to get rid of reading glasses. Lens replacement surgery may also be necessary, involving the insertion of the latest generation of intraocular lenses, premium or multifocal lenses. These lenses are beneficial if presbyopia evolves into cataracts.