Presbyopia is an age related condition making it difficult to read fine print without reading glasses. Although laser refractor surgery does not prevent presbyopia, an ophthalmologist or optometrist can correct one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision to produce monovision for which contact lenses are often used to create. Pre-testing using contacts to simulate monovision correction may help patients assess how well their brains adjust to the discrepancy between eye corrections, facilitating seamless switching between clear close up vision and distant vision. The larger the difference between corrections, the more depth perception may diminish. If so, mini-monovision with correction of one eye for distance and one for intermediate vision may be best. Recently approved by the FDA, variable focus lenses used to replace the natural lenses of middle-aged and older adults with cataracts provide another option overcoming presbyopia. Some signs and symptoms of presbyopia include eyestrain, headaches or feeling tired from doing close up work. Another sign is the need to hold reading materials at arm's length to focus properly.
Clouded Thinking
It would seem apparent that seniors would know of an eye condition which is a leading cause of blindness in their contemporaries. Yet, when older individuals express their knowledge of cataracts, misinformation abounds. An unfortunate aspect of this lack of knowledge of cataracts results in preventing those who need treatment from getting it by unrealistic expectations of treatment. Simply put, the U. S. National Eye Institute states that cataracts occur when the eye lens grow cloudy. Cataracts do not grow on top the eye. Nor should you wait until the eye lens becomes completely white before seeking surgical treatment. Cataracts can be removed and replaced with a clear, man-made lens with cataract surgery. With a 95% success rate, the surgery is generally performed under light sedation as an outpatient where the patient returns home the same day.
