Maintain your quality of life with Dr Allan Fong, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
Presbyopia is a condition that typically develops after the age of 40, as the lens of the eye loses its flexibility. This loss of flexibility makes it harder for the eye to focus on nearby objects, a process called accommodation.
While presbyopia is a normal part of aging, it can be frustrating and interfere with daily activities. The good news is that it’s manageable with the right approach and treatments.
The symptoms of presbyopia usually appear gradually and may include:
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult an eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Presbyopia is a refractive error caused by the natural aging process of the eye. This condition typically affects adults aged around 40 years and above, making it difficult to see things up close. Factors such as family history, certain medical conditions, or extensive close-up work may also contribute to its onset. Some common causes of presbyopia are as follows:
The lens becomes less elastic, reducing its ability to change shape and focus on near objects.
The muscles around the lens weaken, further limiting its focusing ability.
There are various ways to manage presbyopia, depending on your lifestyle and vision needs:
Reading glasses or bifocals provide a simple solution for clear vision at close range.
Multifocal or monovision contact lenses can correct presbyopia while maintaining distance vision.
Advanced procedures such as lens replacement surgery or corneal inlays offer longer-term solutions.
Other typical refractive errors, aside from presbyopia, include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. These are common vision problems that occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When the eye’s shape is irregular or the refractive power of the cornea and lens is off, light focuses in the wrong place, causing vision problems.
Myopia, commonly referred to as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a common refractive error where objects up close are clear, but those farther away appear blurry. This occurs when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant vision to be unclear.
Myopia is a widespread vision problem that can develop slowly or quickly, frequently worsening during childhood or adolescence. Several treatment options are available for myopia, including:
The most common and simple solution, glasses with concave lenses (minus lenses) help to focus light properly on the retina, improving distance vision.
These work similarly to eyeglasses but are worn directly on the eye. They come in different types, including daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, and can offer a wider field of vision compared to glasses.
Special types of contact lenses or eyeglasses, such as multifocal lenses or lenses designed for myopia control, may slow the progression of myopia, especially in children.
This involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia so that glasses or contacts may not be needed during the day.
Low-dose atropine eye drops have been found to help slow the progression of myopia in children, though they do not reverse the condition.
Surgical procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshape the cornea to improve how light is focused on the retina, providing a long-term solution for myopia. This is typically recommended for individuals with stable prescriptions.
Hyperopia, often referred to as long-sightedness or far-sightedness, is a common refractive error in which distant objects appear clearer than those up close. It occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina rather than directly on it, causing blurred vision.
People with hyperopia may struggle to see things up close, like reading or using a phone, and could also experience eye strain or headaches. The severity of hyperopia can vary, and while it is common in children, it often becomes more noticeable with age. The condition can be treated with:
The most common and simplest treatment for hyperopia, eyeglasses with convex lenses (plus lenses) help focus light correctly on the retina, improving close-up vision.
Like eyeglasses, contact lenses can correct hyperopia by helping focus light properly. They come in various types, including daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, and can offer a wider field of vision than glasses.
In some cases, people with hyperopia may use monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, either through contact lenses or surgery. This option can help reduce the need for reading glasses.
In some cases, especially for older individuals or those with severe hyperopia, lens implants may be an option. This procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct vision.
Surgical procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) can reshape the cornea to improve light focusing on the retina, providing a long-term solution for hyperopia.
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes distorted or blurred vision at all distances. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
People with astigmatism may experience eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing clearly, especially for tasks like reading or driving. Astigmatism can occur alongside other refractive errors such as myopia or hyperopia, and it can be corrected with:
The most common and simplest treatment, eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses, can correct the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, allowing light to focus properly on the retina and improving vision.
Special contact lenses, including toric lenses, are designed to address astigmatism by providing the correct amount of curvature to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea. These lenses can offer more comfort and a wider field of vision compared to glasses.
This involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
In some cases, particularly for individuals with more severe astigmatism or those over 40, lens implants may be used to replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct the refractive error.
Surgical procedures such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) can reshape the cornea to correct the irregular curvature, providing a more permanent solution for astigmatism.
Choosing the best treatment for presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia & astigmatism involves considering several factors:
Mild cases may only require reading glasses, while more advanced cases could benefit from surgical solutions.
Your daily activities, such as screen time or sports, may influence your choice of treatment.
Some patients prefer non-surgical methods, while others seek permanent solutions like lens replacement surgery.
Dr Allan Fong can help you evaluate your options and choose the most suitable treatment plan.
BBM, PBM, MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Ophth),
FRCS (Edinburgh), MRCOphth (London), FAMS
Medical Director
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Visiting Consultant @ SNEC
Adjunct A/Professor, Duke-NUS
Dr Allan Fong is an experienced ophthalmologist at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, specialising in treating age-related eye conditions like presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Dr Fong provides personalised care and expert guidance, ensuring you receive the right treatment to restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
Don’t wait for presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism to affect your vision—early detection and treatment are crucial. At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we offer comprehensive refractive errors care tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation or make an enquiry today!
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.
Presbyopia typically begins to affect people in their early 40s, progressing gradually over time.
While presbyopia cannot be reversed, there are effective treatments to manage its symptoms and improve your vision.
Yes, advanced laser treatments like LASIK or corneal inlays can address presbyopia. Your suitability for surgery depends on your overall eye health.
Not necessarily. Many patients manage presbyopia with contact lenses or undergo surgical treatments for long-term solutions.Yes, advanced laser treatments like LASIK or corneal inlays can address presbyopia. Your suitability for surgery depends on your overall eye health.
No, presbyopia is a normal part of aging and not a sign of an underlying eye disease.
Using proper lighting, taking regular breaks from screens, and avoiding eye strain can help reduce symptoms, but they won’t stop its progression.
It’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every year to monitor changes in your vision and adjust treatments as needed.
Yes, presbyopia can be treated in combination with conditions like myopia or cataracts. A tailored approach can address multiple vision needs.
Most treatments, including glasses and surgery, are safe. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks or side effects before beginning treatment.
Presbyopia typically begins to affect people in their early 40s, progressing gradually over time.
While presbyopia cannot be reversed, there are effective treatments to manage its symptoms and improve your vision.
Yes, advanced laser treatments like LASIK or corneal inlays can address presbyopia. Your suitability for surgery depends on your overall eye health.
Not necessarily. Many patients manage presbyopia with contact lenses or undergo surgical treatments for long-term solutions.Yes, advanced laser treatments like LASIK or corneal inlays can address presbyopia. Your suitability for surgery depends on your overall eye health.
No, presbyopia is a normal part of aging and not a sign of an underlying eye disease.
Using proper lighting, taking regular breaks from screens, and avoiding eye strain can help reduce symptoms, but they won’t stop its progression.
It’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every year to monitor changes in your vision and adjust treatments as needed.
Yes, presbyopia can be treated in combination with conditions like myopia or cataracts. A tailored approach can address multiple vision needs.
Most treatments, including glasses and surgery, are safe. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks or side effects before beginning treatment.
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