PRESBYOPIA
As
we age, body tissues normally lose their elasticity. As the lenses
in our eyes lose some of their elasticity, they lose some of their
ability to change focus for different distances. The loss is gradual.
Long before we become aware that seeing close up is becoming more
difficult, the lenses in our eyes have begun losing their ability
to flatten and thicken. Only when the loss of elasticity impairs
our vision to a noticeable degree do we recognize the change.
With
presbyopia the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility,
which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects. Presbyopia
may seem to occur suddenly, but the actual loss of flexibility
takes place over a number of years.
Presbyopia
usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-forties and since
the effects of presbyopia continue to change the ability of the
crystalline lens to focus properly it may worsen over time. Presbyopia
is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. It is not a
disease and it cannot be prevented.
Symptoms of Presbyopia include:
• decreased focusing ability for near objects
• eyestrain
• tired eyes
• headache
Since
presbyopia can complicate other common vision conditions like
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism periodic changes
in your eyewear may have been necessary to maintain clear and
comfortable vision. "Laser eye surgery cannot improve presbyopia."
Anterior Ciliary Sclerotomy is an investigational refractive surgery
procedure. The ACS procedure is similar to Radial Keratotomy in
that it is an incisional technique. The surgeon makes eight or
more symmetrical, partial-thickness radial incisions into the
sclera over the ciliary body. These incisions allow the sclera
to expand giving more room for the eye to accommodate to close
objects. Like other refractive surgeries ACS is done on an outpatients
basis.
