Presbyopia
What is presbyopia? 
As we age, our eyes naturally become less transparent and flexible, affecting our ability to focus. (Typically this is most noticeable in reading, when we find ourselves moving printed matter farther and farther away in order to read it.) This condition is called presbyopia, and it affects nearly everyone.

What are the symptoms?
For most people, trouble reading fine print – especially in dim light –  is the first symptom of presbyopia. Blurriness of type when viewed at close range, and temporary blurring as viewing distance changes, are also symptoms, as is eyestrain after prolonged reading.

How is presbyopia treated?
While presbyopia is not curable, it is correctable. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common means, but new implantable lens technologies can provide many patients with good vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Treatment for presbyopia
In addition to providing a full range of eyeglass and contact-lens options  for presbyopia patients, Grossnickle Eye Center also offers treatments that combine a routine surgical process (similar to that used for cataract removal) with the implantation of lenses that provide clear vision at all distances – without the need for glasses or contacts.

Both apodized and accommodating lenses let our doctors replace your natural lenses with ones that will allow good vision at all distances. Each type of lens has specific patient guidelines. Our surgeons will recommend the lens best suited to your vision expectations and lifestyle. 

Monovision  is another treatment option for presbyopia patients. Again, consultation with our doctors and staff will help determine the best option for you.

Accommodating lenses
Crystalens™  is an accommodating implantable lens that allows patients to focus automatically and seamlessly at all distances. It can be an attractive option for patients with cataracts, as well as presbyopia, farsightedness and nearsightedness.

Crystalens accommodates like the eye’s natural lens, moving backward and forward in response to relaxation and contraction of the ciliary muscle. This allows for seamless focusing up close, far away and at all distances in between, giving patients their best possible vision, and in many cases eliminating the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks.

Apodized lenses
The AcrySof ReSTOR® lens uses an advanced, proprietary technology called apodization to provide patients with a full range of vision free of eyeglasses. It is an option for those with cataracts, nearsightedness or presbyopia.

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens structure consists of a series of concentric steps formed in a circular pattern. A gradual decrease in step heights creates a smooth transition of light between the distant, intermediate and near focal points. This design improves image quality while minimizing visual disturbances.

Monovision
Monovision is a technique wherein one eye (usually your dominant one) is corrected for clear distance vision, and the other for comfortable near vision. The result often is sufficiently clear vision at any distance to eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Monovision can be accomplished with contact lenses or with laser vision correction.