Everyone starts to lose some near vision when we reach the 40s. This results from gradual stiffening of the natural human lens in the eye with a loss of the ability to focus up close as we age. It is a natural part of the aging process, which progresses until about 60 years of age. At first, we may start to notice that lighting needs to be bright enough to read fine print. Later, holding things further away may be necessary to read comfortably. In later years, reading aids or surgical options may be necessary.

The most common way to address this problem is with bifocal spectacles, although people with myopia may find that all they need to do is to take off their glasses to read. Alternative nonsurgical methods involve bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and contact lenses worn for an optical approach called “monovision”. Essentially, this calls for full optical correction with a contact lens in the master eye, with slight undercorrection in the other eye, leaving a low amount of myopia or short-sightedness. This low amount of myopia allows clear near vision.

If you have dry eyes or other problems making contact lenses unsuitable for you, and would still like to be without glasses, here are some good options for you.

Conductive keratoplasty (CK) with LightTouch is a new revolutionary technique approved by the US FDA for the treatment of presbyopia. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office. In fact, it has such a good safety record that it is approved for use in airline pilots. The procedure is fast and easy to perform, with no cutting or removal of tissue. It is performed in minutes, with only eyedrop anesthesia. It is suitable for people with minimal or no myopia (short-sightedness), either naturally or following LASIK or cataract surgery, and for patients who have hyperopia (long-sightedness) of up to +3.25D (325 deg).

LASIK with the monovision approach may be an option for you if you have significant amounts of myopia, astigmatism or other refractive error. The results are similar to monovision with contact lenses. Learn more about LASIK.

If you already have cataracts, then the best option for you would be cataract surgery with implantation of multifocal lenses. These new premium lens implants will restore both your distance and near vision, similar to what you were used to in your 30s without the need for glasses.

Near Vision Enhancement

A consultation is best to determine the most suitable option in your individual case. Kindly contact EyeWise Vision Clinic to fix an appointment.

Contact Dr. Christopher Khng | Make an Appointment

Dr Christopher Khng
MBBS, M.Med(Ophth), FRCS(Edin), FAMS(Ophth)
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Medical Director
EyeWise Vision Clinic

Suite #08-19
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road
Singapore 258499
Appointments (65) 6476-1211
Fax (65) 6476-1311
chriskhng@eyewisevision.com.sg