Presbyopia

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Presbyopia
Presbyopia

Video: Presbyopia

Video: Presbyopia
Video: What is PRESBYOPIA? (and How to Deal with It) 2024, March
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Presbyopia

Presbyopia is caused by remodeling processes in the body. Physical aging is often accompanied by hardening of the lens. Over time, therefore, the lens' ability to deform and adapt to the change from near and far settings decreases.

The area of sharp vision moves into the distance. This is noticed, for example, if the newspaper has to be held further away while reading. Presbyopia progresses slowly. It is corrected with reading glasses, among other things.

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  • Presbyopia - what is it?
  • Diagnosis of presbyopia
  • Correction of presbyopia
  • Whom can I ask?
  • How are the costs going to be covered?

Presbyopia - what is it?

Presbyopia progresses slowly. A limitation is usually only noticed when the accommodation ability (ability of the lens to adjust to closeness) has decreased to such an extent that small print can no longer be read close to the eye and the text has to be held further away in order to see clearly. The ability to accommodate is then usually reduced to 3 D (diopters). This is mostly noticeable in people with normal vision from around the age of 45, even if the changes start earlier. Farsighted people often show symptoms a little earlier, while nearsighted people usually have symptoms a little later.

If at a distance of 35–40 cm from the eye it is only possible to see blurred or not to read, an optical correction is made - usually with glasses (reading glasses, converging lenses, plus lenses).

From around the age of 60, presbyopia no longer progresses, because then accommodation is often practically impossible. Normally sighted people with presbyopia usually need reading glasses of around +2.5 D in such cases, and multifocal glasses or bifocal glasses for additional ametropia.

Note You can view a simulation of presbyopia on the MedUni Vienna website.

Diagnosis of presbyopia

The ophthalmologist will take an anamnesis. Problems with sharp vision at close range and age give her / him clues. As a rule, the ophthalmologist will carry out an ophthalmological examination.

  • With the help of various tests and measuring instruments, the ophthalmologist examines various structures of the eye (e.g. retina, vitreous humor, cornea, etc.) and clarifies, for example, age-related changes, ametropia and diseases. In addition to examining the vitreous humor and the anterior segment of the eye (using a slit lamp) and the fundus (using an ophthalmoscope, so-called ophthalmoscopy), she / he will examine the pupil reaction and eye movement.
  • A precise test of the visual acuity with refraction determination (measurement of the refractive power of the eye using a refractometer) is carried out.
  • The eyesight is tested with and without glasses (with an eye test chart or visual acuity projector).
  • If necessary, the intraocular pressure (tonometry) is also measured and further examinations are carried out.

The doctor can identify refractive errors or organic causes that impair vision and rule out other diseases.

You can find information about preventive examinations etc. on the website of the Austrian Ophthalmological Society.

Correction of presbyopia

Presbyopia is usually corrected with reading glasses. Contact lenses are also possible in some cases, for example if you already have myopia and correct it with a contact lens. Here, varifocal contact lenses (multifocal lenses or multifocal lenses) are used. Also, but rarely, laser treatments (refractive surgery) are carried out (e.g. in the case of weak presbyopia). The doctor decides whether it is necessary and how it should be carried out depending on the individual requirements of the individual and in consultation with those affected. She / he provides information about the advantages and risks.

Whom can I ask?

The ophthalmologist (also: ophthalmologist / ophthalmologist, specialist in ophthalmology) diagnoses presbyopia. In addition, she / he can examine the eye for possible other ametropia and diseases - as well as correcting the presbyopia and, if necessary, undertake further treatment steps. Regular check-ups or preventive examinations are advisable.

Orthoptists can also be involved in diagnosis and treatment. Opticians manufacture and adjust visual aids, provide information on how to use visual aids and much more. However, they do not carry out any ophthalmological examinations.

How are the costs going to be covered?

The e-card is your personal key to the benefits of the statutory health insurance.

Information on, among other things, the deductible, the exemption from the cost share for glasses and any cost subsidies for contact lenses can be obtained from your health insurance provider, which you can find on the social security website.

With regard to the assumption of costs for refractive laser operations, the chief medical service of the responsible health insurance company always decides whether a health insurance benefit can be used.

Further information can also be found at:

  • Right to treatment
  • Visit to the doctor: costs and deductibles
  • What does the hospital stay cost?
  • Prescription fee: This is how drug costs are covered
  • Rehabilitation & cure
  • Medical aids & aids
  • Health Professions AZ

and via the online guide to reimbursement of social insurance costs.