Surgical and non-surgical presbyopia correction options: our experience

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Refractive Surgery New Techniques/Instrumentation/Devices III

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 2

First Author: : A.Petkova BULGARIA

Co Author(s): :    P. Vassileva                       

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Presbyopia is a very hot topic in our society nowadays. Independence of glasses is crucial for many people. The purpose of our study is to compare the correction of presbyopia with multifocal (MF) contact lenses and clear lens exchange (CLE) with MF or EDOF intraocular lenses.

Setting:

We performed a prospective study for one year in University Eye Hospital “Prof. Pashev”, Sofia, Bulgaria

Methods:

We evaluated 43 patients with presbyopia, mean age 54 years old (±7). 20 of them underwent CLE with MF or EDOF IOL and 23 were fitted with MF contact lenses. For the choice of IOL or MF contact lens, we took into consideration patients’ profession, lifestyle and everyday needs. We compared distance and near VA, contrast sensitivity (Stereooptical F.A.C.T.) and patients’ subjective satisfaction with a questionnaire – photic phenomena (glare and halo), reading, driving.

Results:

Mean distance VA for both groups was 20/25 and mean near VA for both groups was 20/30. Only 1 patient (5%) in the CLE group and 2 patients (8.7%) in the MF contact lens group experienced severe photic phenomena. Most of the patients had None to mild glare and halo. Over 90% of patients in the two groups reported a very good subjective satisfaction and independence of glasses.

Conclusions:

CLE is an excellent and frequently used surgical procedure for correcting presbyopia. Although, it carries the risks related to phacoemulsification, which eventually can be very serious. Presbyopia correction with MF contact lenses is a non-invasive method that gives very good results. Patients who have been wearing MF contact lenses are also much more likely to choose a MF or EDOF IOL when they develop a cataract. We should take in consideration the cost issue, especially in countries like Bulgaria with low GDP per capita. Correction of presbyopia with MF contact lenses is an option that we should consider.

Financial Disclosure:

None