Getting Rid of Readers once and for all
Q&A with Dr. Livernois about Presby-fixTM,
Woodhams' New Vision-Correction Procedure
Woodhams Eye Clinic recently launched Presby-fixTM, a new vision-correction procedure that helps people stop using reading glasses for reading and other up-close activities.
Nearly all people will experience a slow, progressive loss of near vision by the time they reach their 40s - and they usually require bifocals or reading glasses. Presby-fixTM, however, uses the most modern technology available to restore near vision so people can fully enjoy their everyday lives.
Richard G. Livernois, MD, one of the doctors at Woodhams, answers some of the questions about Presby-fixTM in this Q&A.
Q: What happens to vision when someone reaches their 40s? It's like a switch is flipped - one day they see just fine. The next day, they're struggling to read text messages. Why?
A: There are people who have great vision their entire lives, and then something happens in their 40s. That "something" is called "Presbyopia." Although it affects nearly everybody, presbyopia is an incredibly frustrating condition because it's suddenly harder to do everyday activities. You can't read a text message or look at a golf scorecard without everything going blurry. A lot of times, people will run out and buy so-called "reading glasses" from a drugstore, but that's not the real fix for their condition.
- So tell me about Woodhams' new Presby-fixTM procedure. What exactly is it?
A: The Presby-fixTM procedure uses a very small aperture called a KAMRA corneal inlay that permanently goes into the outer layer of the cornea in one eye. It's smaller and thinner than a contact lens. In fact, it's so small that it's almost impossible to see the inlay once it's in the eye.
This inlay focuses incoming light. The result is corrected near vision - meaning a person can now read, see a computer and do other close-up activities without glasses. It also maintains distance vision. Basically, this procedure takes 10 years of age off a person's vision so they can see up close, far away, and in-between.
Q: And it's permanent?
A: Yes, the inlay is permanent, and so are the results.
Q: Who's a good candidate for Presby-fixTM?
A: Anyone in their 40s to 60s who needs glasses or contact lenses to see up close. We evaluate every candidate, however, to determine that Presby-fixTM is the best solution for their particular condition. People who have had LASIK are also candidates for Presby-fixTM.
Q: How is this different from LASIK?
A: LASIK is a procedure that works well for patients who cannot see distance and is typically for people age 20-40. LASIK is a wonderful procedure - I've had it done myself. But never the less, it doesn't help those who develop near-vision problems later in life. Presby-FixTM is for the patient who's always had great vision but is now frustrated because they can't clearly see things up close.
Q: So is that why we'll sometimes see some people who previously had LASIK suddenly show up wearing reading glasses?
A: Yes, that's exactly it. LASIK corrects distance vision, but it doesn't help that birthday present that creeps up on us in our 40s. That's where Presby-FixTM comes in. It corrects near vision while maintaining distance vision.
Q: I'm interested in Presby-fixTM. What should I do to learn more?
Schedule an appointment at Woodhams Eye Clinic for us to discuss your vision issues and to determine if Presby-fixTM is the best solution for your particular condition.
