Many Baby-Boomers Opt for Lens Implants over Reading Glasses

The baby-boomer generation has benefitted greatly from recent advances in eye surgery technology. As a result, many baby-boomers have been able to get rid of their reading glasses once and for all.

Improvements in lens implant technology have led to a 40% increase worldwide for intraocular lens (IOL) implants to treat presbyopia. IOLs are plastic lens implants that are used to replace your eye's damaged natural lens. While IOLs are most commonly used for the treatment of cataracts, they have recently become a popular treatment option for people experiencing problems with their distance vision. By opting for a lens transplant for presbyopia, patients also eliminate the need for a cataracts procedure down the road.

The procedure only takes about a half hour to complete. Your ophthalmologist will apply a local anesthesia before making a small incision in your eye. He will then use ultrasound to break up and remove your natural lens before inserting the implant in its place.

As you age, your eye's crystalline lens begins to stiffen, leading to a degeneration of your eyesight. Changes in the curvature of your lens also contribute to the vision loss experienced with aging. Presbyopia may also be a precursor to cataracts. Therefore, by treating your presbyopia with a lens implant, you are eliminating your risk of developing cataracts in the future.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.