Between 40-55 and Want Out of Readers? Read This.

Age grants us many perks: wisdom, experience, opportunities, responsibilities, reading glasses… okay, that last one might not seem like a perk, but it can be necessary if your noticing changes with your vision. However, if you find that your readers are preventing you from enjoying those other perks, it might be time to consider your options for vision correction.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

Why Do I Need Reading Glasses?

Before we look ahead at solutions for aging vision, we need to take a closer look at what causes our vision to change.

As we age, we gradually lose our ability to see near objects (i.e. books, phones, etc.) clearly due to presbyopia — a natural, gradual loss of our eyes’ ability to focus. This condition usually starts around the age of 40 and progresses until around 60 and is often the first change before cataract formation. Oftentimes, reading glasses (or readers) are a simple solution to this natural part of aging.

If you’re looking for a way to ditch your readers, you may think that LASIK is the go-to solution. However, if you’re over 40, you actually have more beneficial options for visual clarity. (See? Perks!) One of those options we’re focusing on is called a Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).

What is a Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure where your eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens (IOL) to correct your vision. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery. The difference is that, instead of waiting for your eyes to develop cataracts, this surgery can be performed on a clear lens that has lost its ability to focus. The goal of RLE is to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

The Benefits of a Refractive Lens Exchange.

Once the IOL is in place, it functions similarly to your original, natural lens. It refracts light as it enters your eye, helping it hit your retina so you can see clearly. It can reduce and/or eliminate the need for reading glasses or other corrective lenses. Also by removing the lens before the cataract forms you will never need cataract surgery in the future.  RLE offers an alternative to laser surgeries such as LASIK and PRK, which may not be ideal for people who have high refractive errors or specific eye conditions. 

Do I Qualify for a Refractive Lens Exchange?

During your eye exam, your eye doctor will determine if RLE is appropriate for you. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have extreme myopia or hyperopia that makes you ineligible for laser vision correction
• Have presbyopia and don’t wish to rely on reading glasses or contact lenses

This surgery might not be suitable for you, however, if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• A cornea-related eye disease
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetes-related retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Uveitis

A Closer Look at Clearer Outcomes.

As we age, it’s easy to think of ourselves as losing things, but it’s all a matter of perspective. Presbyopia is very common, and highly treatable thanks to vision correction solutions like RLE. At Vance Thompson Vision, with advanced technology combined with our expertise, we can help you gain a new outlook on life and enjoy the perks of aging with clarity and confidence. 

Want to know more about refractive lens exchange? Contact us at (605) 361-3937 to schedule an appointment today.