Presbyopia literally means "old eyes".
This not particularly flattering term simply refers to the normal
process of aging of the eyes. These changes occur due to the loss of the
flexibility of the lens inside the eye, which needs to bulge and become
rounder in order to bend rays of light from near objects onto the
retina. Everyone experiences these effects, usually between the ages of
40-50, and so this is when normal sighted individuals begin to wear
reading glasses. If you are myopic, you may well need bifocals, and the
hyperope will need extra strength in the lenses for near, and may start
to wear lenses for the distance also.
CK means we can now treat many people who only need
glasses for reading in a safe manner. CK uses radio waves to gently
change the curvature of the cornea, and avoids disturbing the cornea
with a flap or laser. The high safety profile of CK has found popularity
with patients who were still cautious with laser technology. Horizon Eye
Centres are the first to offer CK in the
United Kingdom
, and we have
the longest experience in the country.
CK
treatment for presbyopia involves treating only one eye. We each have a
dominant and a non-dominant eye, just as we prefer to use one hand or
the other. CK treats the non-dominant eye to give some help with reading
vision, while the dominant eye has full distance vision. The effect is
called blended vision, and both eyes are still used together. The
treated eye can typically see well enough for distance at about 20/30 on
the chart, better than the driving standard. Both eyes together still
have sharp distance vision. The treated eye however can now see close
to, allowing you to read a menu, newspaper, magazine, clothes label etc.
One
of our doctors will help you know whether blended vision is right for
you. Just call for your free consultation.
To
learn more about longsight, click here
