Presbyopia, often described as ageing eyes, is something most of us will experience eventually. It usually becomes noticeable in our 40s, when reading small print, checking a phone screen or focusing up close begins to feel more difficult than it once did.
For many years, laser eye surgery was not considered a strong solution for this natural change in vision. Patients were often told that reading glasses, bifocals, varifocals or implanted lenses were the only real options. But at London Vision Clinic, Professor Reinstein and our expert team have helped pioneer a different approach: a specialist laser treatment designed to reduce the effects of ageing eyes.
Presbyopia, literally meaning “old eye”, is a normal part of the ageing process. As we get older, the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible and the focusing system gradually weakens. This makes it harder to shift focus between near, intermediate and distance vision, especially when reading, using screens or working in poor lighting.
Nobody is immune to this change. For most people, the first sign is holding menus, books or phones further away. Over time, many become increasingly dependent on reading glasses or multifocal spectacles for everyday tasks.
A Laser Treatment for Reading Vision
At London Vision Clinic, PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision offers a highly specialised alternative for suitable patients who want to reduce their reliance on reading glasses without moving straight to lens replacement surgery. It is designed to extend the range of natural vision, helping many patients see more comfortably at near, intermediate and distance.
PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision is an advanced treatment that can significantly reduce, or in some cases remove, the need for reading glasses, bifocals or varifocals for many years. Since introducing the treatment more than 20 years ago, thousands of patients have enjoyed greater visual freedom thanks to this highly refined procedure.
Overcoming Presbyopia with PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision
PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision works by treating each eye slightly differently. One eye is adjusted mainly for distance vision, while still retaining some close-up ability. The other eye is adjusted mainly for near vision, while still retaining some distance ability.
This creates what is known as a “blend zone”. Instead of forcing the eyes into two completely separate focal points, the brain is able to combine the visual information from both eyes more naturally. The result is an extended range of vision that can make reading, screen work and everyday distance tasks feel more comfortable.
For many suitable patients, this means a major reduction in dependence on reading glasses:
- Over 98% of PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision patients can read normal newsprint, known clinically as N8.
- Over 90% of PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision patients can read the small print on medicine bottle inserts.
Near Vision
Designed to help with reading, phones, menus and close-up daily tasks.
Intermediate Vision
Useful for computer work, dashboards, cooking and screen-based lifestyles.
Distance Vision
Supports clearer everyday vision for walking, driving and active lifestyles.
Not to Be Confused with Monovision
Before the introduction of PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision, monovision surgery was one of the standard surgical approaches for presbyopia. Monovision corrects one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. In theory, the brain learns to combine the two images, but in practice this can feel uncomfortable or unnatural for some patients.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, monovision is not tolerated by every patient. PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision was developed to create a smoother and more natural range of focus, which is why studies have shown it may be suitable for up to 97% of people.
While we cannot stop the ageing process itself, we can make age-related near vision changes much easier to live with. For suitable patients, PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision offers a sophisticated way to reduce reading-glasses dependence while preserving a more natural visual experience.
To learn more about PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.
