Gradual vision loss is only a natural part of aging. In a study published in BMC Public Health in 2024, it is estimated that around 1.8 billion people are affected by presbyopia. By 2050, that figure is expected to surpass 2.1 billion as the current population ages. However, emmetropic presbyopia can present a unique set of challenges for doctors and patients alike.

It typically begins after age 40, with the age-related condition forcing those with previously normal vision (emmetropes) to experience difficulty focusing on near objects. This manifests itself when emmetropes start struggling with reading fine print or increasing the text size on devices.

Dr. Robert Ang, head of cornea and refractive surgery services at Asian Eye Institute, recently published an article in Ophthalmology Management about the ways ophthalmologists can better work with their patients’ needs. He argues that practitioners and specialists must focus on therapies that offer multiple options and mechanisms. These individuals, after all, are facing vision correction for the first time.

“Often, these patients are unhappy with this reality check of aging and do not want to wear reading glasses, which is why practitioners and industry are always looking for ways to help,” he writes. “The challenge is to develop therapies that correct presbyopia while maintaining the emmetrope’s clear distance vision.”

In the article, Ang, who also oversees Asian Eye’s Research and Training Center, recommends several treatments that should improve near vision without compromising distance vision. The right combination of reading glasses or contact lenses, pupil-constricting eye drops, refractive surgery and scleral therapy can make all the difference.

He is optimistic about the future direction of the treatment landscape for presbyopia. With the emergence of new eye-drop formulations, better multifocal lenses and innovative procedures like laser scleral microporation (LSM), among others, these can provide more effective solutions that significantly improve patients’ quality of life. The general presbyopia care market should expand as these new advancements materialize.

“New pupil-constricting drop formulations could change how we use that modality. New multifocal contact lenses and IOLs [intraocular lenses] continue to enter the market. Once LSM becomes an approved procedure, we could improve age-related effects on accommodative movement without touching the optics,” Ang continues. “Ultimately, we hope to find options to satisfy emmetropic presbyopes’ desire for both freedom and clear vision.”

Ang’s research in cataract surgery, glaucoma devices, presbyopia treatment and IOL technology has been published by several journals and ophthalmology research institutions. The pioneering ophthalmologist’s research accomplishments and recognitions include obtaining Best Paper awards at congresses such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and AsiaPacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

Read Ang’s complete article at www.ophthalmologymanagement.com. For more information about Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

(Story by:Aizel Maquimot)