Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects nearly everyone after the age of 40. It occurs when the natural lens of the eye gradually loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on objects up close. Reading fine print, checking your phone, or working at a computer may suddenly feel more difficult, and many people turn to reading glasses as a solution. While presbyopia is a natural part of aging, modern treatments make it easier than ever to regain visual freedom.
At Cornerstone Eye Associates, patients with presbyopia benefit from advanced solutions tailored to their lifestyle and vision goals. Dr. Claire Y. Chu, a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 15 years of teaching experience at UT Southwestern, specializes in refractive surgery and advanced lens options. Recognized in D Magazine’s Best Doctors List and Women of Influence, Dr. Chu provides trusted, compassionate care for patients in Dallas and Richardson seeking relief from presbyopia.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia develops as the eye’s natural lens stiffens with age, reducing its ability to change shape and focus on near objects. Unlike myopia or hyperopia, which are caused by the shape of the eye, presbyopia is related to the natural aging process. Most people first notice symptoms in their early to mid-40s, when they begin holding reading material farther away or relying on brighter light to see up close.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
The signs of presbyopia often develop gradually, but they can impact daily comfort and productivity. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty reading small print, particularly in dim light
- Eye strain or fatigue after close work
- Headaches linked to prolonged near tasks
- Blurry vision at normal reading distance
- Needing to hold items farther away to see clearly
If these symptoms are affecting your daily activities, it may be time to explore presbyopia treatment options.
Treatment Options for Presbyopia
There is no way to stop or reverse presbyopia, but several treatments can help restore near vision:
- Reading Glasses or Bifocals: The simplest solution for many patients, though some find them inconvenient for active lifestyles.
- Contact Lenses: Multifocal or monovision contact lenses can provide sharper vision at multiple distances.
- Monovision LASIK: This surgical option corrects one eye for distance and the other for near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Similar to cataract surgery, RLE replaces the natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) designed to improve focus at different ranges.
- Advanced IOLs During Cataract Surgery: For patients who also have cataracts, premium IOLs can address both conditions at once.
Dr. Chu works closely with each patient to determine which option best fits their visual needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Why Choose Cornerstone Eye Associates for Presbyopia Care
Dr. Claire Y. Chu brings an unmatched combination of surgical skill, academic expertise, and patient-centered care. With training from UC Berkeley, Baylor College of Medicine, and UT Southwestern, she has built her career on advancing ophthalmology and helping patients achieve better vision. Her recognition in D Magazine’s Best Doctors List and Women of Influence underscores her trusted reputation in the Dallas and Richardson communities.
At Cornerstone Eye Associates, patients benefit from a supportive environment where every treatment plan is tailored individually. Dr. Chu takes the time to explain options clearly and guide patients toward solutions that align with their vision goals. With modern technology and convenient offices in both Dallas and Richardson, our practice is committed to providing advanced presbyopia treatments that improve both clarity and quality of life.
Presbyopia Treatment in Dallas and Richardson, TX
If you are over 40 and noticing difficulty with near vision, presbyopia may be the cause. At Cornerstone Eye Associates, Dr. Claire Y. Chu and her team provide advanced solutions to help patients in Dallas and Richardson enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision. To schedule a consultation, call the Dallas office at (972) 803-5665 or the Richardson office at (972) 803-5665 and take the first step toward greater visual freedom.
