Presbyopia is an aging phenomenon that occurs as the crystalline lens loses its flexibility with increasing age. Presbyopia begins at around age 40 and progresses until about age 65. The “normal” flexibility of the crystalline lens allows it to change its shape and alter its curvature in order to rapidly focus your vision at various distances-from far, to near, to arm's length, to far or near again. The focusing capacity of the crystalline lens gives you the ability to see things at all distances-a process called “accommodation." About the time that we enter our 40’s, the crystalline lens begins to stiffen. The stiffening of the crystalline lens makes it progressively more difficult to change focus or accommodate making it more and more difficult to see close up. Initially, this reduces our ability to see objects clearly at arm’s length. As presbyopia progresses it becomes more difficult to see reading material or objects close up. Presbyopia affects everyone including those who have cataracts. As presbyopia begins, people who have never worn eyeglasses find that they need reading glasses or bifocals in order to read and see up close. People who already wear glasses may need bifocals or trifocals in order to see up close and have comfortable near vision.

The crystalline lens is usually soft, flexible and “crystal” clear so that it has excellent transparency and optical clarity. As we progress through our 50’s and 60’s, the normally “crystal” clear lens may gradually become yellow and cloudy.

When this occurs, you may initially experience a mild blurring of your vision and feel that you might need a change of eyeglasses. You may notice that it is not as easy to see well and comfortably in dim illumination, such as for night driving. You may notice that colors look faded. The cloudiness may also create glare, haloes, light sensitivity and a continuing decrease in your vision. If the crystalline lens becomes too cloudy it may cause a significant decrease in both your day and night vision.

These are the visual symptoms that are common for those patients whose crystalline lens has clouded and formed a cataract. It is important to note that cataracts are even more common if we have had certain health problems such as diabetes or taken certain medications such as cortisone for asthma or other types of inflammatory conditions. If you are experiencing vision changes like these, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination and cataract evaluation.

Advances in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) allow Cataract Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. to remove your cataract, correct near vision and treat presbyopia all as part of your cataract surgery. Presbyopia correcting lens implants that correct both distance and near vision can help patients achieve clear distance vision as well restore their normal range of vision without relying on eyeglasses, bifocals or reading glasses.

For seniors concerned about aging eye problems and other patients concerned about their risk of developing cataracts it is helpful to have some information on cataract risk factors. The more common cataract risk factors that most people are familiar with include:

• Age-The older you are the more likely that you will develop a cataract.
• Family History-While we are uncertain about an exact mechanism of genetic transmission, we do see an increased risk of cataracts among family members of those who have cataracts.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure-Excessive exposure to UV radiation, whether from unprotected outdoor activities, tanning booths or sunlamps is a known risk factor for developing cataracts.
• Diabetes-Patients who are known diabetics as well as those who suffer from uncontrolled elevated blood sugar are considered at increased risk for cataract development.
• Medications-Steroids prescribed for asthma or other systemic inflammatory disease or allergies, statins prescribed for high cholesterol and certain medications prescribed for mental health problems can result in an increased risk of cataracts.
• Eye Diseases, Problems & Surgery-Disease and problems inside the eye such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and uveitis can increase the risk of cataracts.
• Frequent X-Rays or Radiation Treatments to the Head.
• Eye Injury-Trauma to the eye, even if only external and not penetrating can often promote cataract formation.
• Smoking-Smoking increases cataract risk and stopping smoking decreases the risk.
• Alcohol Consumption-Drinking more than 2 drinks per day increases cataract risk.
• Osteoporosis-Osteoporosis is associated with an increased prevalence of cataracts.