Presbyopia Correction Surgery

LASER CATARACT SURGERY

LASER VISION CORRECTION

Presbyopia Correction Surgery

Horizon Family Medical Group
Cornwall, NY • (845) 534-5800

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PRESBYOPIA CORRECTION SURGERY

INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Presbyopia Correction Surgery

Presbyopia Correction Surgery (also known as Refractive Lens Surgery and Clear Lens Surgery) is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery to correct presbyopia, nearsightedness and farsightedness. This is the procedure of choice for those over 45 years old that desire a more complete solution to their vision problems. It’s goal is the restoration of a fuller range of vision, simultaneously addressing both the distance and near complaints of those over 45.

The Normal Eye

When your eyes do not require correction, the cornea and lens are able to focus light onto the retina (a layer that lines the back of the eye). This makes objects look clear. Ideally, the lens is relaxed when you are looking at distance objects and uses only a fraction of its focusing power when you are looking at near objects.

Myopia
Hyperopia
Presbyopia
Astigmatism

When you have myopia, you are nearsighted. The length of the eye is longer than it needs to be. Distant objects are blurred because they do not focus on the retina. When objects get close enough, the light reaches the back of the retina and the object is seen clearly. Glasses for patients with myopia bend light so it reaches the retina producing a clear image.

When you have hyperopia, you are far-sighted. The length of the eye is shorter than it needs to be, so the lens struggles to focus when looking at distant objects. When looking at near objects, the lens has to focus even more, leading to eye strain and blurred vision. Glasses will provide focusing power so the lens can relax when looking at distant objects and not have to focus as much on near objects.

When you have presbyopia, the lens in your eye gradually loses its ability to focus. The normally flexible lens of the eye gradually loses elasticity, affecting the refractive ability of the eye. The lens cannot bend or flatten as easily, making it more difficult to focus. Generally, this happens between the late 30’s and early 40’s.

When you have astigmatism, your cornea is uneven. Both close and distant objects look blurry. Astigmatism is often accompanied by myopia or hyperopia. When the curve of the cornea is uneven, light rays cannot focus on just one point on the retina. Instead, they focus on two or more points, either in front of or behind the retina. This makes close and distant objects look blurry.

The Procedure
Post-Op Care
Benefits

Acrysof PanOptix IOL Most other vision correction procedures attempt to change the focusing power of the cornea. Presbyopia correction surgery, on the other hand, corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness by replacing the eye's natural lens with a Trifocal or Extended Depth of Focus intraocular lens. These provide the focusing power without glasses at multiple distances including near, intermediate and far.

Presbyopia Procedure The eye's natural lens is removed through a laser created micro-incision (less than 3 mm), breaking the lens apart with femtosecond laser and ultrasonic vibrations gently suctioning it from the eye. The natural lens is replaced by a foldable intraocular lens which is inserted through the micro-incision. It is then unfolded and placed into permanent position. Because of the design of the incision and its small size, it seals itself and no stitches are required.

Presbyopia Correction Surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only a few minutes. In Dr. Sayegh's hands, the surgery takes 8 to 10 minutes and is painless both during and after the surgery. No needles, no stitches and no patches are associated with the procedure. Patients are free to return home to rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of a hospital stay. In most cases, daily activities such as driving and reading can be resumed the next day.

After the surgery, you'll be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, your doctor will probably want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eyes heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield, especially at night, to prevent you from rubbing your eyes.

Broken Glasses The greatest benefit of Presbyopia Correction Surgery is the substantial reduction or elimination of your dependency on eyeglasses and contacts. Because the procedure is performed using laser & micro surgical techniques, there is no need for needles, stitches or patches and most patients enjoy rapid visual recovery. Presbyopia Correction Surgery also eliminates the need for cataract surgery in the future.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. You and your doctor should consider the potential risks and benefits to determine if cataract surgery is right for you.