Age-related long-sightedness, also called presbyopia, is a natural change in the eye that usually begins around age 40. Many people notice, as they get older, that they have difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly.

In this post, we explain what presbyopia is, its causes and symptoms, and how it can be diagnosed. You will also learn everything about laser treatment for presbyopia and the treatment options at Bányai Neue Augen. We compare presbyopia with other visual impairments to better understand how presbyopia differs from them, and provide an overview of correction options such as glasses, contact lenses, and modern laser treatments. We also look at the specific laser eye treatments for presbyopia offered by Bányai Neue Augen.

Laser treatment for age-related long-sightedness – find out now!

What is presbyopia?

Age-related farsightedness, also known as presbyopia, is a refractive error that develops with age. Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, which are often caused by the shape of the eyeball, presbyopia results from a loss of elasticity in the eye’s lens and a reduced ability to accommodate—that is, to adjust focus between near and distant objects. This ability enables the eye to focus sharply on objects at varying distances.

At a young age, the lens of the eye is flexible and can easily change shape to focus clearly on both distant and close objects. Over time, the lens hardens and loses this flexibility, which can make it difficult to see nearby objects clearly. This makes everyday activities such as reading, checking price tags, or working on a computer more strenuous.

Presbyopia is a gradual process, typically beginning around age 40 and progressively worsening. Although it is a natural consequence of aging, there are numerous ways to correct vision and make everyday life easier by treating presbyopia. These include glasses, contact lenses, and various laser procedures that adjust the lens’s refractive power to provide clear near vision.

Laser treatment for presbyopia – find out now!

Causes – what contributes to presbyopia?

Presbyopia is caused by the eye’s natural aging process. Over time, the lens of the eye loses elasticity, making accommodation more difficult. This loss of flexibility makes it harder for the eye to focus on nearby objects, while distance vision often remains clear.

A key factor in presbyopia is hardening of the lens. In young people the lens is flexible and clear; with age it becomes stiffer and loses its ability to change shape. This reduces the ciliary muscle’s ability to curve the lens and thereby focus on near objects. The near point — the closest point the eye can still see clearly — progressively moves farther away, increasing the reading distance and making near vision more difficult. The far point, however, usually remains largely unchanged.

In addition, the ciliary muscle plays an important role in accommodation. Over time, this muscle weakens, which further impairs the eye’s ability to accommodate (adjust to near and distance vision). As a result, the eye functions well for distance vision but requires correction for near vision.

General eye diseases can also influence the progression of presbyopia. Conditions such as cataracts or other age-related changes can further reduce lens clarity, worsening presbyopia symptoms. It is unclear which risk factors generally predispose someone to developing presbyopia. Early onset of this visual impairment may, however, be associated with conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

These age-related changes in vision are difficult to prevent, but regular eye examinations and appropriate visual aids can improve visual acuity and make everyday life easier.

Recognizing presbyopia – common complaints and symptoms in everyday life

Presbyopia causes a range of symptoms that affect everyday life. Typically, people have difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly. Those affected often notice that when reading a book or looking at price tags, they must hold the text farther from their eyes to see it clearly. This leads to an increased reading distance and eye strain during near work.

Switching focus between different distances, such as from distance vision to near vision, becomes more difficult. Activities such as reading, writing, or working at a computer become more tiring and can lead to headaches and fatigue. These symptoms result from overexertion of the eye muscles, particularly the ciliary muscle, which tries to compensate for the reduced accommodative ability of the stiffened lens.

It is important to take these symptoms seriously and consult an ophthalmologist to obtain appropriate vision aids, such as reading glasses or progressive lenses, specifically tailored to the needs of people with presbyopia. In addition, laser eye surgery for presbyopia may also be considered.

Comparison of visual impairments: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia

It is important to know the differences between nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea), and presbyopia in order to correctly interpret the early signs of presbyopia.

Short-sightedness (myopia): If you notice that distant objects such as road signs or boards appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear, you may have short-sightedness. Typical situations in which this vision problem becomes noticeable are driving at night or recognizing distant faces.

Farsightedness (hyperopia): Farsightedness is noticeable when you have difficulty seeing nearby objects—such as books or text on your phone—clearly, while distant objects remain sharp. If you need to hold reading material or a screen farther away to see it clearly when reading or working on a computer, this indicates farsightedness.

Corneal curvature (astigmatism): Corneal curvature, also called astigmatism or “Stabsichtigkeit”, causes blurred vision both at a distance and up close. The reason, as the name suggests, is an abnormally curved cornea, so that incoming light is not refracted correctly and forms a blurred image on the retina.

Presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness): It typically occurs from around the age of 40. If you find that reading at a normal distance becomes increasingly difficult and you need reading glasses to see small print clearly, this could be a sign of presbyopia. This age-related visual impairment often manifests as difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, even though distance vision remains good.

To determine exactly which visual impairment is present, it’s advisable to have an eye test with an ophthalmologist. They can determine whether it’s short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or presbyopia, and recommend appropriate corrective measures such as glasses, contact lenses, or laser treatments.

Diagnosis of age-related vision impairment: How it develops and what it means

The ophthalmologist establishes a definitive diagnosis of presbyopia during an eye examination. An autorefractometer automatically measures the eye’s refractive power and provides an initial estimate of the required diopters (dpt). A vision test measures visual acuity for near and distant objects and helps identify the most suitable eyeglass lenses or contact lenses. The near point is measured to determine how well the eye can focus on nearby objects.

For patients, the diagnosis means they will increasingly rely on visual aids as they age. Presbyopia progresses over time, necessitating regular adjustments to those aids.

Treatment options for presbyopia

There are various approaches to treating presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), which can be divided into non-surgical visual aids and surgical procedures.

Glasses and other vision aids for presbyopia

Multifocal contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses offer multiple zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision, making them a flexible solution for people who don’t want to wear glasses. These lenses deliver clear vision at all distances and are especially practical for active people.

Progressive lenses

Progressive glasses are specially designed eyewear that combine multiple vision zones within a single lens. They provide seamless vision from near through intermediate to distance. These glasses are ideal for everyday use and offer a convenient solution for presbyopia.

Reading glasses

Reading glasses are a simple and inexpensive way to improve near vision. They are particularly useful for reading and other close-up tasks. Many people wear basic, ready-made reading glasses in addition to their regular distance glasses.

Refractive surgery for presbyopia

Artificial lenses (RLE)

Refractive lens replacement (RLE) is a surgical procedure in which the natural lens is replaced with a multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens. These lenses allow the eye to focus at different distances, reducing the need for reading glasses. RLE is particularly suitable for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK.

Laser treatments

Various laser treatments, such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, can be used to correct presbyopia. These procedures reshape the cornea to improve the eye’s refractive power. A special technique called monovision corrects one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. This method requires a period of adjustment but offers a permanent solution.

Laser treatment for presbyopia: methods, procedure and costs at Bányai Neue Augen

At Bányai Neue Augen, several advanced methods are available to effectively treat presbyopia — here is an overview:

Lens replacement

In refractive lens exchange (RLE), the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. These lenses provide clear vision at various distances and are particularly suitable for patients who are not candidates for laser treatment.

SMILE^® PRO Monovision

SMILE^®PRO Monovision is a minimally invasive technique that corrects one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision. This method requires an adaptation period but offers an effective solution for presbyopia up to a certain age. However, intermediate vision cannot be corrected with this technique.

PRESBYOND^®

PRESBYOND^® Laser Blended Vision combines the benefits of LASIK technology with a special technique for correcting presbyopia. This method optimizes one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision. Both eyes are adjusted via a wavefront profile for intermediate distances, such as the dashboard, PC, etc. The brain can then fuse these two visual inputs into a single sharp image.

The cost of laser eye surgery for presbyopia at Bányai Neue Augen starts at €990 per eye and varies depending on the chosen method and individual needs. Flexible financing options, including 0% interest installments over 24 months, are available to help you move toward greater independence.

The treatments are performed at the modern centers in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. A thorough consultation helps determine the best laser eye procedure for your individual needs and to discuss all costs transparently.

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FAQs

Was sind die Symptome der Alterssichtigkeit (Presbyopie)?

Like many other conditions, presbyopia can present with a variety of symptoms. However, some signs clearly point to presbyopia:

To read comfortably, you need a brighter environment, i.e., more light than usual.

Headaches most often result from eye strain.

Tired eyes
If you want to read something clearly, you tend to hold it farther from your body. Focusing up close, however, is difficult. The same is true when reading a book, checking price tags in the supermarket, or composing a text message on your smartphone.

Warum wird man im Alter weitsichtig?

With increasing age, the eye’s lens loses elasticity. In youth, it can change shape flexibly to focus on objects at different distances. This process — called accommodation — enables sharp vision both up close and at a distance.

From around the age of 40, however, the elasticity of the lens decreases, so the eye can no longer focus adequately on nearby objects. This natural aging process is called presbyopia. Those affected often notice this when reading or working at a screen: they have to hold reading material further away to see it clearly.

Glasses, contact lenses, or modern procedures such as laser treatments and lens implants can help restore vision.

Kann man alterssichtig werden, trotz Augenlaserbehandlung?

Yes, you can develop presbyopia despite laser eye treatment. The LASIK procedure, for example, does not protect against presbyopia. Therefore, this procedure is no longer used in patients who are around or over the age of 45. If you have any further questions, simply contact us and we will explain everything in full.

Wie schnell verschlechtert sich die Altersweitsichtigkeit?

Roughly speaking, presbyopia worsens by 0.5 to 1.0 diopters (dpt) every five years.

Wann stoppt Altersweitsichtigkeit?

Presbyopia is typically fully developed by around age 65 and usually does not progress further.

Was kostet es eine Behandlung der Altersweitsichtigkeit?

The cost of presbyopia treatment starts at €990 per eye. The exact price will be determined during a personal consultation and a detailed examination.

Übernimmt die Krankenkasse das Lasern bei Altersweitsichtigkeit?

In most cases, health insurance companies do not cover the costs, as vision correction, especially for presbyopia, is not considered a medically necessary treatment.

Was kann man gegen Altersweitsichtigkeit tun?

There are several options for treating presbyopia in ophthalmology: progressive (multifocal) glasses, multifocal contact lenses, laser treatments such as PRESBYOND® and SMILE® Monovision, and refractive lens exchange with multifocal intraocular lenses.

Ist Presbyopie eine Fehlsichtigkeit?

Yes. Presbyopia is a form of refractive error caused by the natural aging of the eye’s lens. As we age, the lens loses elasticity, which impairs near vision. Because this is a natural consequence of aging, it is not considered an eye disease.

Welche Brille braucht man bei Altersweitsichtigkeit?

Reading glasses or progressive lenses are often used to correct presbyopia. Reading glasses are specifically designed for near vision, while progressive lenses provide distinct viewing zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision, enabling seamless sight at all distances.

Hat Rauchen einen Einfluss auf Alterssichtigkeit?

Yes, smoking and presbyopia are linked: smoking can accelerate the eyes’ natural aging process. It increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, which can occur alongside presbyopia and impair visual acuity.

Welche Lebensmittel sind gut für die Augen im Alter?

A healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can support eye health and delay age-related damage, since the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and presbyopia increases with age.

Presbyopia simply explained