Surgical Options for Treating the Presbyopic Patient

Dean Corbett, MD

Auckland Eye Auckland New Zealand
Counties Manukau District Health Board

Purpose: To understand how best to match the patient to the technology in the treatment of presbyopia.

Methods: Technologies for the treatment of presbyopia have expanded rapidly in the last decade. Once treated solely with bifocal spectacles or reading glasses, presbyopia can now be treated surgically with corneal implants, multifocal or accommodating IOLs, and laser reshaping of the cornea.

Results: We present our experience with these technologies and address issues involved in matching the patient to the technology for truly custom presbyopia correction. Topics include patient selection, surgical techniques and risks, and patient outcomes, including limitations in judging patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Presbyopic patients are demanding options other than bifocal/reading glasses. In addition, 'one lens fits all' is no longer viable as cataract surgery becomes refractive surgery for cataract patients. Understanding the full range of technologies available to treat presbyopia allows us to improve patient outcomes by customizing the technology to the patient.