Client: Dr. Murad Sunalp
Copyright 2008 Dr. Murad Sunalp
Presbyopia
In Tulare, California
Presbyopia is believed to be caused by a gradual stiffening of the natural lens of the eye. As we grow older, the proteins within the lens change and lose their flexibility. The result is that the lens looses its elasticity. The muscle fibers surrounding the eye's natural lens also become less flexible which prevents the lens from properly focusing. Daily tasks like reading, sewing or working on the computer become more and more difficult due to inability to see clearly. Dr. Sunalp of Tulare, California understands the difficulties of suffering from presbyopia and can help you overcome your vision problems.
Symptoms
Some of the more common symptoms of presbyopia include:
� The need to hold reading materials at arm's length
� Working up close may cause headaches, eye strain and fatigue.
� The need to have the computer screen further away
Treatment
PALs � The most common treatment for presbyopia involves the use of eye glasses with PALs (progressive addition lenses). These artificial lenses are different from bifocals in that there is no visible line between the prescriptions in the lenses. The PALs offer a gradual change from one prescription to the other.
PAL and bifocal lenses offer two main points of focus. The main part of the lens contains the prescription to correct your overall vision depending on whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. The lower portion of the lens contains the stronger up close prescription for your ability to see and read very close.
Reading Glasses - Another option for presbyopia sufferers who do not need daily eye wear for vision correction, or who use contact lenses, is to use reading glasses. These glasses are only worn during up close tasks. Contact lens wearers can wear the reading glasses with their contacts in their eyes. Reading glasses can be purchased over-the-counter or you can obtain higher quality reading glasses from your eye doctor.
Multi-Focal Contact Lenses � These lenses are another option for presbyopia sufferers. Multi-focal lenses are available in gas permeable or soft lens material. Gas permeable lenses offer a sharper, clearer vision correction than many soft lens prescriptions. However, soft lenses are much more comfortable to wear and are easier to insert and remove from the eyes.
Monovision Lenses � These lenses differ in that one eye wears a distance prescription while the other wears one for near vision. The brain learns to favor one eye or the other depending on the task. Some people love their monovision lenses while others experience dizziness, nausea and poor depth perception with their use.
As you continue to age, your presbyopia will change and you will need your prescriptions adjusted. To learn more about presbyopia in Tulare or anywhere else in California, contact Dr. Sunalp today.