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Presbyopia Treatment For St. Petersburg
Clearwater, FL
Presbyopia is a naturally occurring type of farsightedness brought on by age. Presbyopia affects near vision and is why most adults require reading glasses in their 40s and older.
Your eye’s natural lens is soft and flexible when you’re young, and the flexibility allows it to focus at different distances easily. That soft lens stiffens with age, making it challenging to view objects nearby, such as menus, books or your smartphone. You may find yourself holding the item farther and farther away to see it clearly without reading glasses.
Does Presbyopia Affect Everyone?
Presbyopia happens to everyone and typically begins to manifest in your early 40s, even if you have other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism.
People who have had LASIK or PRK will still develop presbyopia as they get older because the procedures deal with a different part of the eye. Typically, the cornea and lens work together to direct light onto the retina at the back of your eye for sharp images. When the cornea is misshapen or irregular, you develop myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Presbyopia Symptoms
The initial symptoms of presbyopia could be subtle and worsen as you get older, including:
- Blurry near vision
- Eye fatigue
- Eyestrain
- Difficulty reading
- Holding reading material at arm’s length to see small print
- Headaches
You can’t prevent presbyopia from happening, but treatments are available to restore your near vision.
Presbyopia Treatment Options
Age-related loss of near vision is frustrating, especially for individuals who love to cook and need to read the fine print on recipes or enjoy reading at night. The typical treatment for presbyopia is reading glasses or bifocals. Technology has advanced to expand your options, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of buying and losing reading glasses over and over.
Clear lens exchange (CLE) removes the hardened natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL) that can also improve other refractive errors. CLE works the same as cataract surgery, except that the eye lens is clear when extracted, instead of opaque as is the case with a cataract. The procedure has the added benefit of preventing future development of the eye disease, because the artificial implant cannot form a cataract.
St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute offers PanOptix Trifocal lens, the only IOL that sharpens vision for near, intermediate and distant focal points. Our Ophthalmologists also offer IOLs that fit your lifestyle, such as accommodating, extended depth of focus and multifocal IOLs.
CLE can help you eliminate the need for reading glasses so you can enjoy everyday life without the burden of corrective eyewear.
Presbyopia FAQs
How is presbyopia diagnosed?
Presbyopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination performed by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. During the exam, your doctor will evaluate how well your eyes can focus on nearby objects, usually using a standard vision test and a refraction assessment. Additional tests may include assessing pupil response, accommodation ability, and eye muscle function. Regular exams are especially important for patients in the Tampa Bay Area, Pinellas County, and Largo, FL, where early detection ensures better treatment outcomes.
Can presbyopia be cured or reversed?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging and cannot be cured or reversed. It results from the gradual hardening of the eye’s lens, which reduces the ability to focus on close objects. While the condition is permanent, its effects can be managed effectively with glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgical procedures, depending on the your lifestyle and vision needs.
Are multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) a good option for presbyopia?
Yes, multifocal IOLs are an excellent surgical option for some patients with presbyopia—particularly those also undergoing cataract surgery. These lenses are implanted during surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens and allow for improved vision at multiple distances. An Ophthalmologist can determine candidacy for multifocal IOLs based on eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Does insurance cover presbyopia treatment?
Coverage for presbyopia treatment varies by insurance provider and the type of treatment chosen. Prescription glasses and contact lenses are often partially covered under vision plans, while surgical options like multifocal IOLs or laser procedures may be considered elective and not fully reimbursed. It’s best to consult with your insurance company and the staff at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute to understand your benefits and options.
Will I still need reading glasses after presbyopia treatment?
Depending on the type of procedure and your specific vision needs, you may still require reading glasses after surgery. For example, IOLs can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses, but you may still prefer them for fine print or low-light reading. An Ophthalmologist will discuss likely outcomes and help set realistic expectations during your consultation.
Can presbyopia cause headaches or eye strain?
Yes, untreated presbyopia can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and even headaches, especially during activities that require sustained near focus, such as reading or computer work. These symptoms often occur when the eyes are working harder than necessary to compensate for reduced focusing ability. Corrective options can significantly reduce discomfort and improve visual clarity.
Why choose St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute for presbyopia treatment?
St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute has been a trusted provider of advanced eye care in the Tampa Bay Area, Pinellas County, and Largo, FL for decades. Our team includes highly trained Ophthalmologists with extensive experience diagnosing and treating presbyopia using the latest optical, pharmaceutical, and surgical solutions.
We offer a full range of presbyopia treatments—including progressive lenses, specialty contact lenses, presbyopia-correcting eye drops, and premium intraocular lenses for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Our doctors stay current with the latest clinical advances, and we take the time to tailor each treatment plan to the patient’s unique lifestyle, visual needs, and long-term goals.
Contact An Ophthalmologist About Presbyopia
Schedule your eye exam at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute today. Contact our Largo, Florida office to discuss your presbyopia symptoms and treatment options.
