Presbyopia
Noticing that reading up close has become more difficult? Presbyopia is a natural age-related change that affects near vision, typically beginning in the early 40s. As the lens of the eye loses flexibility, focusing on nearby objects becomes harder, often leading to reliance on reading glasses or bifocals.
At I Love LASIK in NYC, Dr. Samer Khosrof provides advanced solutions for presbyopia, including refractive lens exchange (RLE) with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). As a double-trained ophthalmologist, Dr. Khosrof tailors vision correction options to each patient’s needs, helping those in New York City and Brooklyn achieve clear, comfortable vision at all distances.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related vision condition that affects nearly everyone as they get older, typically beginning in their 40s. Over time, the natural lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This occurs because light is no longer properly refracted onto the retina, leading to blurry near vision. Unlike nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, or astigmatism—which are caused by the shape of the cornea—presbyopia results from the gradual stiffening of the eye’s lens. Many people first notice symptoms when they start holding reading materials at arm’s length or struggle with small print in dim lighting. While presbyopia is a natural part of aging, an eye exam with an experienced ophthalmologist can help determine the best approach to maintaining
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What is Presbyopia?
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology
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clear vision.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
The first signs of presbyopia often appear in a person’s early 40s, making near vision tasks progressively more difficult. Many people initially notice they need to hold reading materials farther away to focus clearly. Symptoms may worsen in dim lighting or when the eyes are fatigued. Common symptoms of presbyopia include:
- Blurred vision when reading or doing close-up tasks
- Holding books, menus, or phones at arm’s length to see clearly
- Difficulty reading small print or fine details
- Eye strain or discomfort after prolonged near work
- Headaches caused by frequent squinting or straining to focus
- Increased difficulty transitioning between near and
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Presbyopia
National Eye Institute
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distance vision
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Presbyopia Treatment Options
Presbyopia can be a frustrating part of aging, but advanced treatment options allow patients to regain clear near vision and reduce dependence on reading glasses. At I Love LASIK, we specialize in refractive lens exchange (RLE)—a long-term solution that corrects presbyopia while also preventing the development of cataracts.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): A Permanent Solution for Presbyopia
For patients seeking a lasting improvement in near vision, refractive lens exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL) designed to restore vision at multiple distances. This procedure is identical to cataract surgery, except it is performed electively before cataracts develop. Multifocal lenses, extended depth-of-focus lenses, and other advanced IOLs can enhance near vision while also improving distance vision and intermediate vision, reducing the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
RLE is an excellent option for patients with presbyopia, as well as those with farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK surgery or PRK. By choosing RLE, patients not only correct their refractive errors but also eliminate the possibility of developing cataracts later in life.
Monovision for Presbyopia
Another approach to correcting near vision loss is monovision, or blended vision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other for distance vision. This can be achieved through refractive lens exchange, LASIK, PRK, or contact lenses. While some patients adapt well to monovision, others may prefer the clarity and balance offered by multifocal lens implants.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
For patients who prefer non-surgical treatment, bifocals, progressive lenses, and multifocal contact lenses can provide functional near vision. Some patients opt for monovision contact lenses to simulate the effects of blended vision before considering a surgical solution.
At I Love LASIK, Dr. Samer Khosrof provides personalized eye care, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their lifestyle and vision goals. If you’re experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, we invite you to schedule a consultation to explore your best vision correction procedures.
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About I Love LASIK
I Love LASIK is a premier destination for presbyopia treatment and vision correction in New York City and Brooklyn. Led by Dr. Samer Khosrof, a double-trained ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, our practice is dedicated to delivering exceptional visual outcomes through personalized care and advanced technology. With thousands of successful lens-based procedures, Dr. Khosrof ensures that every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle.
Unlike many high-volume practices, Dr. Khosrof personally oversees every step of the patient journey—from consultation to post-operative care—providing the highest level of precision and attention to detail.
Why Choose I Love LASIK?
- Extensive Experience: Thousands of successful refractive lens exchange (RLE) and premium IOL cases.
- Double-Trained Surgeon: Specialized in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery, offering an unparalleled depth of knowledge.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Cutting-edge technology for lens implants and vision correction procedures.
- Personalized Care: Every patient receives a customized treatment plan for optimal results.
- Office-Based Refractive Lens Exchange: One of the few practices in New York City to offer RLE in a fully equipped, office-based surgical suite, providing a comfortable, convenient, and efficient alternative to hospital or surgery center procedures.
- Seamless Experience: Dr. Khosrof personally manages every step of your care, ensuring precision and excellence.
Beyond Vision Correction
At I Love LASIK, we believe in making a difference beyond eye care. A portion of our profits supports charitable initiatives worldwide, helping provide access to healthcare, food, and clean water in underserved communities.
By choosing I Love LASIK, you’re entrusting your vision to a surgeon who prioritizes expertise, integrity, and patient-centered care for life-changing results.
The BEST experience ever! Dr. Khosrof and staff are very professional. It was a seamless and comfortable experience. I will be referring all my friends and family here.Gabriella F.
Everyone was very accommodating, and helped ease the stress of my surgery. The doctor and staff were very friendly and very efficient during the procedure and I'm very pleased with the results. I sometimes forget how much of an impact your vision has to your quality of life, so it's important to take care of your eyes.Unais I.
Dr. Samer is superb at explaining and simplifying the operation and what treatments would work and what would not be recommended and why. When you come out of surgery you think wow the operation took 15 minutes and and when he explained it to me a few weeks ago he spent an hour detailing ???? If I knew how easy it was I would have asked for nearest appointment without asking any questions. His operating room staff are a well oiled machine they made my life and the Doctor's life as easy as 1,2,3. In and out and wowWasim K.
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If you are over 40 and find yourself holding reading materials farther away to focus or struggling with near vision, you may have presbyopia. The best way to confirm this is through a comprehensive eye exam, where an eye doctor can assess your vision and discuss treatment options.
Both presbyopia and farsightedness (hyperopia) affect near vision, but they have different causes. Hyperopia is a condition present from birth due to the shape of the cornea or length of the eye. Presbyopia develops with age as the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects.
No, presbyopia is an unavoidable part of the aging process. While it cannot be prevented, prioritizing eye health—including routine eye exams, a nutritious diet, and protecting your eyes from UV exposure—can help maintain overall vision quality as you age.
Yes. LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness, but they do not prevent the age-related stiffening of the lens that causes presbyopia. If you’ve had refractive surgery and are now experiencing near vision loss, we can discuss treatment options such as monovision or refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Laser vision correction procedures like LASIK cannot cure presbyopia, but monovision LASIK can help some patients see more clearly at different distances by correcting one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. However, refractive lens exchange (RLE) is often the most effective and long-term solution for age-related near vision loss.
In the early stages, updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription may help improve near vision. However, because presbyopia progresses over time, you may still eventually require reading glasses, bifocals, or multifocal contact lenses. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) provides a more permanent solution by replacing the natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL).
Yes. Even individuals who have had 20/20 vision throughout their life will eventually develop presbyopia as the lens of the eye loses elasticity with age.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re struggling with presbyopia, I Love LASIK offers advanced vision correction solutions in NYC and Brooklyn. Dr. Samer Khosrof provides personalized care, specializing in refractive lens exchange (RLE) with premium IOLs.
Take the next step toward clear near vision—schedule a consultation today.