Have you found yourself holding your phone further away to read a text message? Reaching for reading glasses at restaurants? Or needing brighter light to read a book? If so, you're not alone.

For many people, these changes begin around the age of 40 and are a normal part of the ageing process. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that reading glasses aren't your only option. Modern vision correction procedures, such as PRESBYOND, offer an innovative solution for people looking to reduce their dependence on glasses and enjoy clearer vision at multiple distances.

Why Does Reading Become More Difficult After 40?

As we age, the natural lens inside the eye gradually becomes less flexible. This makes it more difficult for the eye to change focus between distant and nearby objects, particularly when reading.

This age-related condition is known as presbyopia, and it affects almost everyone to some degree. Unlike short-sightedness or long-sightedness, presbyopia is a natural change that occurs over time and is not something that can be prevented.

While many people initially manage the condition with reading glasses, others find constantly switching between glasses inconvenient, particularly if they lead an active lifestyle or spend long hours using digital devices.

Common Signs of Presbyopia

The early signs of presbyopia often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss at first.

Common symptoms include:

• Holding books or your phone further away to read
• Difficulty reading in dim lighting
• Eye strain after reading or using digital devices
• Blurred vision when looking at objects up close
• Frequently switching between reading and distance glasses

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to consider whether a longer-term vision correction solution is right for you.

What Is PRESBYOND?

PRESBYOND is an advanced laser eye surgery procedure designed specifically for people experiencing age-related vision changes caused by presbyopia.

Unlike traditional laser eye surgery, which primarily corrects distance vision, PRESBYOND uses sophisticated laser technology to optimise vision across multiple distances. The treatment works by carefully reshaping the cornea while creating what's known as "blended vision." This allows one eye to be optimised slightly more for near vision and the other for distance vision, while both eyes continue to work together naturally.

The result is a broader range of functional vision, allowing many patients to enjoy everyday activities with reduced reliance on reading glasses.

Is PRESBYOND Better Than Reading Glasses?

Reading glasses remain an effective solution for many people, but they may not suit every lifestyle.

If you regularly find yourself putting glasses on and taking them off throughout the day, or you enjoy activities such as travelling, dining out or exercising, you may be looking for a more convenient alternative.

PRESBYOND is designed to reduce dependence on reading glasses by improving your ability to see clearly across near, intermediate and distance vision. While individual outcomes vary, many patients find they can comfortably perform most daily tasks without constantly reaching for their glasses.

A comprehensive assessment is essential to determine whether PRESBYOND is the most suitable option for your eyes and visual needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRESBYOND?

PRESBYOND may be suitable for people who:

• Are generally over the age of 40
• Are experiencing presbyopia or difficulty reading up close
• Have a stable glasses prescription
• Have healthy eyes and corneas
• Would like to reduce their reliance on reading glasses

Not everyone will be a suitable candidate, which is why a personalised consultation is an important part of the process. During your assessment, your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eye health, prescription, lifestyle and visual goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment.

What Does the Research Say About PRESBYOND?

PRESBYOND is supported by a growing body of clinical research demonstrating its effectiveness in improving vision for people with presbyopia.

An Australian study involving 125 patients who underwent PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision treatment found that the procedure delivered highly predictable visual outcomes for both short-sighted and long-sighted patients with presbyopia. After six months, 94.4% of patients reported improved visual function and reduced dependence on glasses, while satisfaction rates reached 98.8% for myopic patients and 100% for hyperopic patients following any necessary enhancements.

These findings are supported by additional clinical research published in the National Library of Medicine, which followed patients for one year after PRESBYOND treatment. Researchers reported significant improvements in both distance and near vision and concluded that PRESBYOND is a safe and effective option for correcting presbyopia. While, as with any vision correction procedure, some patients experienced mild night vision disturbances or temporary adaptation, overall satisfaction remained high.

Although results vary from person to person, these studies highlight why a comprehensive assessment is so important. Careful patient selection, detailed eye measurements and personalised treatment planning all contribute to achieving the best possible visual outcomes.

Is It Time to Consider PRESBYOND?

If reading has become more difficult and you're finding yourself increasingly reliant on reading glasses, you don't have to simply accept it as part of ageing.

Advances in laser vision correction have made it possible for many people to achieve greater visual freedom through procedures like PRESBYOND.

The best way to determine whether PRESBYOND is right for you is through a comprehensive eye assessment. By understanding your vision and lifestyle goals, your ophthalmologist can recommend the treatment option that best suits your individual needs.

Whether you're reading a menu, checking your phone or enjoying your favourite hobbies, clearer vision could be closer than you think.

Want to know more? Contact us today.