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THE HEALTH | JUNE-JULY , 2021
| Eye Care |
Is my near vision coming to an end ?
Presbyopia can be corrected and managed with the development of specialty lenses
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
THE GRADUAL loss of your eye ’ s ability to focus on nearby objects is called presbyopia . It is an age-related eye condition . This is because the lens has no more elasticity and cannot change shape as it used to , resulting in the inability to bend light properly to focus it on the retina .
Optometrist Chan May May said : “ Two to three years ago , the average presbyopia onset age was 45 years and above . But now , the onset age is getting lower , especially during the pandemic , becoming noticeable in the mid-thirties .”
Based on research , the progression will slow down around age 60 to 65 . While presbyopia does not lead to blindness , we are more susceptible to other eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract .
Irreversible , but can be corrected
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing , and it is irreversible . The signs for presbyopia include tiredness , headache and eye twitching .
“ Nobody can run away from it . As you get older , you will get it ,” said Chan , who is the founder of Chan May May Optometry Sdn Bhd .
But fret not , as presbyopia can be corrected with the development of specialist lenses for the management of presbyopia .
“ If we have presbyopia , we can correct it by using spectacles or glasses . Now , we can correct it by using contact lenses as well .”
She shared that contact lenses for presbyopia were introduced around six years ago .
I have a patient who was reluctant to wear glasses as she had skin sensitivity and sinus problems every time she wore them . But after introducing her to contact lenses , she has better vision and satisfaction . As a result , she comes back regularly for her prescribed contact lenses .”
— Chan May May
“ Initially , it was not popular , but now after recommendations and advertisements , people are more aware that contact lenses can be used to correct presbyopia .
“ I have a patient who was reluctant to wear glasses as she had skin sensitivity and sinus problems every time she wore them .
“ But after introducing her to contact lenses , she has better vision and satisfaction . As a result , she comes back regularly for her prescribed contact lenses .”
How do contact lenses for presbyopia work ?
Both multifocal and bifocal contact lenses can correct presbyopia . According to Chan , the lens corrects the eye condition by providing vision correction for distance and near vision .
Bifocal contact lenses have two different focal points for long and near distances .
Multifocal contact lenses have three different focal points for long , intermediate and near distances .
“ Multifocal contact lenses can be obtained from a qualified optometrist .”
“ We need to use specific equipment to measure the pupil size , cornea curvature and to determine which is the dominant eye .
“ Only after these examinations we can prescribe the correct and suitable contact lenses to the patient or customer .”
She shared that the Acuvue Moist Multifocal contact lenses were good because they are designed based on the