Cornea and Laser Eye Institute study seeks to reduce need for reading glasses

November 6, 2009

Can surgery eliminate the need for reading glasses? A study conducted by the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute will try to determine if a corneal inlay could safely and effectively help patients read more clearly.
The study is helmed by Dr. Peter Hersh, who will also perform the procedures.

Presbyopia, or far-sightedness, happens naturally with age when the eye loses the ability to clearly focus light on near objects.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that the condition affects most adults, starting in their early to mid-40s, and can make daily tasks like reading, writing or working on the computer more difficult.

The experimental surgery will implant a small lens into the eyes of patients with presbyopia. The lens will have over 8,000 tiny holes across its surface to allow air to reach the cornea. One larger hole will be directly of the pupil. The hole will help the eye focus light more directly, and should improve the near vision of patients.

If you have trouble focusing while performing tasks that require close vision, see an eye care professional. There are currently many options for the near-sighted, including prescription eyeglasses, bifocal contacts and progressive lenses.