The ability of the natural lens of the eye to focus is called accommodation which gets weaker as we approach our mid forties. This is termed as presbyopia and is a natural ageing process. It can be corrected with bifocal or varifocal glasses or contact lenses but it can take some time to get accustomed to these and may still not be tolerated well. Another option of Monovision corrects one eye for distance and the other for near which may not appeal to all.

Laser Refractive Surgery or LASIK, which alters the shape of the front surface or the cornea without affecting the lens, when performed on younger patients does not prevent the onset of presbyopia at a later stage.

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) or Phakic Intraocular Lenses are lens implants placed in front of the natural lens without removing it with the advantage of being removed later making this procedure ‘reversible’. These are suitable for those with high refractive errors which are unsuitable for Laser Refractive Surgery.

PreLex or Presbyopic Lens Exchange refers to the surgical option of removing the lens in the same manner as a cataract with the insertion of a premium multifocal lens implant. This has the advantage of being able to see at close and far distance without the use of glasses. Having this procedure also means that you will not develop a cataract later on in life. The surgery is also referred to as Clear Lens Exchange or Refractive Lens Exchange.
Ms Sandhu will discuss all the options to help you choose the best one for you.