Presbyopia

Presbyopia means ‘old sight’. When we read or look at something close, the flexible lens of the eye changes shape to provide the close focus required. However, as we age, the lens becomes less flexible and its ability to change shape is reduced.

This inevitable loss of flexibility is called presbyopia and causes near vision to be blurred.

Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and a gradual process that usually begins at around 40 years of age. As a result, almost everyone over the age of 45 needs vision correction for reading and other close work.
Presbyopia is the most widespread ocular problem in the world. There are currrently over 1 billion people with presbyopia. By the year 2010, approximately 44% of the Australian population will be in the presbyopic age bracket, meaning almost 10 million people will be affected.
It can be corrected with reading spectacles, bifocal or multifocal spectacles, and sometimes contact lenses.

Research by the Institute in the area of presbyopia includes:

Dynamic Vision

A flexible gel lens designed to replace the old hardened lens and restore young vision. The Dynamic Vision Gel has been developed with partners through the Vision CRC. The product is now being commercialised by the company Adventus Technology.

To learn more about the Dynamic Vision project click here.

Corneal Onlay

The Corneal Onlay project is developing a technique to correct refractive errors through the development of a lens that will alter corneal curvature. The lens sits beneath the corneal surface of the eye, offering the convenience of permanent vision correction, while still being reversible. The product is now being commercialised by the company Adventus Technology.

To learn more about the Corneal Onlay project click here.