Our Summary
This paper discusses presbyopia, a common eye condition that occurs as we age, causing difficulty in seeing objects up close. This happens because the lens in our eye becomes less flexible over time. This condition is very prevalent, affecting 80% of people in Europe, and is becoming more common as the population ages.
The paper also discusses different surgical options to treat presbyopia. These include using a laser to change the shape of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), inserting a small device into the cornea to improve focus, or replacing the eye’s natural lens with a specialized lens that can focus at multiple distances.
The type of surgery recommended depends on the patient’s age, their overall eye health, and any other eye conditions they may have. Once a treatment plan is decided, it’s important that the patient is fully informed about the procedure and gives their consent.
FAQs
- What is presbyopia and who does it affect?
- What are the different surgical options to treat presbyopia?
- How is the type of surgery for presbyopia determined?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before the surgery, and taking any prescribed eye drops as directed. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery process. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns. By following these guidelines, patients can increase their chances of a positive outcome from their ocular surgery.
Suitable For
Overall, patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery for presbyopia are those who are experiencing significant difficulty in seeing objects up close and are looking for a long-term solution to improve their vision. They may have already tried other methods such as reading glasses or contact lenses, but are seeking a more permanent solution.
Patients who are in good overall health, have stable vision, and do not have any underlying eye diseases or conditions that would make them ineligible for surgery are good candidates for ocular surgery. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and be willing to follow post-operative instructions for optimal results.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo ocular surgery should be made in consultation with an eye care professional who can assess the patient’s individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
Timeline
Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a comprehensive eye exam to assess their overall eye health and determine the best course of treatment. They will also meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and what to expect during the recovery process.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will typically arrive at the surgical center or hospital and be prepped for the procedure. They may receive a mild sedative to help them relax during the surgery. The surgery itself usually takes around 15-30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.
After the surgery, the patient will be monitored for a short period of time before being discharged to go home. They will be given specific instructions on how to care for their eyes, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activity.
In the days and weeks following the surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure that their eyes are healing properly. It may take some time for the patient’s vision to fully stabilize, but most patients experience improved vision within a few weeks of the surgery.
Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after ocular surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient’s healing process. However, with proper care and follow-up, most patients can expect to experience improved vision and a better quality of life after undergoing ocular surgery for conditions like presbyopia.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery for presbyopia include:
- What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
- How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect during the healing period?
- Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
- How successful is this type of surgery in treating presbyopia, and what are the expected outcomes?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
- How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
- What are the costs associated with the surgery, and will it be covered by my insurance?
- Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
- Are there any specific pre-operative instructions I should follow to prepare for the surgery?
- What are the potential long-term effects of the surgery on my overall eye health?
Reference
Authors: Albou-Ganem C. Journal: J Fr Ophtalmol. 2019 Sep;42(7):790-798. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.08.009. Epub 2019 Mar 8. PMID: 30857805