Most people become dependent on reading glasses as they get older. The technical term for this is ‘presbyopia’. The lens inside the eye becomes less flexible with time and so cannot focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a manifestation of getting older not a disease, but it often causes great inconvenience. It may occur on its own or with other focus defects such as short sight.

In presbyopia the image of close objects
is focused behind the retina

Presbyopia

Two technologies treat dependence on reading glasses –

The Concerto is the world's fastest laser

Laser. All-laser wavefront Lasik with the Ziemer LDV femtosecond laser and Wavelight Concerto excimer laser treats reading glasses by augmented monovision. Using ‘Custom Q’, an advanced laser eye platform for reading glasses, one eye is focused for reading. This eye is made slightly short sighted and given extra near focus by adjusting its wavefront profile. Read ‘how the eye works’ for more information on wavefront abnormalities. The other eye is focused for perfect distance vision. More on laser.

The Lentis MPlus is an advanced multifocal lens implant for reading glasses

Lens implants. This very effective method is the removal of the natural lens of the eye and is replacement by an artificial lens implant. The new lens is a high-tech ‘multifocal’, focusing both near and distance. It is about the same size as a contact lens and made of plastic. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and may be performed under local or general anaesthetic. Lens implants can correct any degree of short or long sight or astigmatism at the same time as reading glasses. More on lens implants.

My patients’ story

This lady consulted me in 2009. She had a strong glasses prescription for both distance and near focus and also astigmatism. She had surgery with the Rayner M-Flex lens implant. This multifocal was customised to treat her short sight and astigmatism and reading glasses dependence. She chose to have the procedure under general (sleeping) anaesthesia. She no longer uses glasses.

She says. ‘Those who do their research properly, find the right man – we did. Mr Simon Levy has carried out six operations on two close relatives and now on my own eyes. The results are truly amazing and I can both read and drive unaided. I was fully informed and reassured throughout. From the initial visit, through the procedure and subsequent follow-ups Mr Levy has earned my greatest respect and gratitude. He has golden hands and to top it all he is a real gentleman’.

Why Choose Eyesite?

Your vision is precious and you must have complete confidence in your doctor and his clinic. Here are some reasons to choose me to look after you -
		Your surgeon - reassuringly experienced. I am an extremely experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist, on the specialist ophthalmic register of the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom. I am a Consultant in both private practice and the NHS at North West London Hospitals NHS Trust. I specialise in 'front of eye' treatment and was one of the first surgeons to perform Lasik in the UK, after a refractive surgery Fellowship taught by the renowned Canadian surgeon Dr Howard V Gimble. More…
		Your initial consultation - reassuringly rigorous. You will see me personally - I do not delegate this completely to an optometrist (optician) as in so many clinics. The examination is the most thorough your eyes will ever have. Measurements are made by the most sophisticated diagnostic instruments currently available, including the Pentacam HR cornea topographer and the Zeiss WASCA wavefront analyser. More… There is plenty of time to ask questions and discuss your requirements with absolutely no pressure on you. You will have detailed printed information to take away and make whatever decision you wish at your leisure.
		Your surgery - reassuringly customised. You will receive the best, most customised treatment available. I provide a comprehensive range of refractive surgery technologies, not only laser and have selected world class facilities with superb surgical equipment. But surgery is not only about your surgeon's experience and technology - your feelings matter too! I place great emphasis on maximising the comfort and minimising the inconvenience of this very important event.
		Your lasers - reassuringly sophisticated. You will benefit from the most advanced lasers for Lasik and Lasek. I perform all-laser Lasik using two lasers - the Ziemer LDV femotosecond laser to make the flap followed by the Wavelight Concerto excimer laser, incorporating wavefront correction, to reshape the cornea. More …
		Your follow-up - reassuringly committed. I believe this is important and will not delegate it entirely to someone else. You will receive a thorough assessment with the same sophisticated technology used prior to treatment. Visits are scheduled to be as convenient as possible for you. Above all, I make a lifelong commitment to your care. I will discharge you after successful treatment but will always be available to help you in the future.
		Your results - reassuringly successful. My patients' results are audited and are exemplary. Refractive surgery can transform your life. I hope it will.