What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural defect that generally appears around the age of 45 and is part of a progressive process that intensifies over time before stabilizing after 15 to 20 years. This phenomenon is directly related to age and the natural aging of theeye and the ocular system ocularsystem, and is inevitable.
Do you struggle to read up close or feel the need to hold your books or phone further away to see better? This may indicate that your lens is having difficulty accommodating sufficiently to provide clear vision at close range. This condition affects many patients aged 40 to 45 and
What are the symptoms of presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural age-related visual disorder that affects the eye's ability to clearly distinguish nearby objects. This phenomenon occurs when the crystalline lens, the eye's natural lens, loses its flexibility, making it more difficult to focus. From their forties onwards, many patients notice that they have difficulty reading text or looking at their phone without adjusting the distance, as a result of this gradual loss of flexibility. Presbyopia can also be accompanied by other disorders such as astigmatism, further complicating the clarity of near vision.
Surgical techniques to correct presbyopia
Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is now a modern, safe, and effective solution with many advantages for permanently correcting hyperopia. It is intended for people who want to free themselves from glasses or contact lenses, which can often be restrictive in everyday life, by acting directly on the cornea to refocus light rays on the retina. Unlike traditional corrective devices, which temporarily compensate for visual defects, surgery offers a structural correction of vision. It is also used to correct other disorders such as myopia or presbyopia.
Intraocular implants
For older patients or those who already have intraocular implants (e.g., after cataract surgery), other solutions may be considered, such as laser refractive surgery or the insertion of phakic ICL implants. However, for people between the ages of 20 and 40 with no contraindications, refractive surgery is often the best option for restoring clear near vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the most appropriate surgical procedure for your visual profile and to ensure personalized and safe care.
How does the surgeon reshape the cornea during the procedure?
For presbyopia, the goal is to treat the loss of elasticity in the lens and the eye's reduced ability to focus on nearby objects. During the operation, the "digging" is done entirely at the level of the cornea in order to create a shape more suited to near vision by altering its curvature. This procedure improves the vision of nearby objects while maintaining good distance vision, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Our experienced team will ensure that you are offered the most suitable solution.
Are you operable?
Take an eligibility assessment at our center to find out.
Our techniques
Our refractive surgery methods are based on cutting-edge technologies, primarily the excimer laser, which is used to precisely reshape the surface of the cornea. This high-precision laser sculpts the cornea toimprove the focusing of light on the retina, thereby effectively correcting hyperopia. There are several types of procedures available.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Leading laser correction technique. It uses an excimer and femtosecond laser.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
- ➜ Suitable for thin corneas
- ➜ Suitable for physical occupations (firefighters, military personnel, etc.) or contact sports.
- ➜ Option to perform a TRANSPKR (100% laser procedure).
- ➜ Possibility of treating presbyopia.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Suitable for people with presbyopia.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
Return to active life
- PresbyLASIK: You can return to work the next day, but you will need to wait a week before resuming sports activities.
- PKR presby pkr or presbytranspkr: Be prepared for a few days of recovery (approximately 72 hours) before you can return to work. You can resume sports activities after one week.
Whether for laser refractive surgery for presbyopia or other visual defects, our ophthalmology clinic in Marseille will support you throughout your journey to offer you a tailor-made treatment.
At our center in Marseille, renowned for its quality, every procedure is performed by a highly qualified surgeon. Prices vary depending on the technique used, the type of correction, and the specific characteristics of each case.
Surgical techniques to correct presbyopia
Regain clear vision
Imagine no longer needing glasses to read a menu or smartphone screen. With refractive surgery , you can correct presbyopia and regain clear vision, whether near or far. Take back control of your vision and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
At Phenicia Vision, we place quality care, technological innovation, and patient focus at the heart of everything we do. Every patient is unique. Our clinic welcomes you into a warm and soothing environment. A snack is provided after surgery, and every detail is designed with your comfort in mind.
FAC - PRESBYOPIA
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural aging of theeye that generally occurs around the age of 45. It manifests itself as a gradual decrease in the ability to see close up, due to the loss of flexibility of the lens, i.e., a decrease in accommodation for near vision. This process affects the daily life , particularly reading and using screens.
How can I tell if I have presbyopia?
If you have trouble reading up close, instinctively hold your phone or documents further away to see better, or find that your eyes tire more quickly when reading, you may be experiencing presbyopia.
What solutions are available?
PHENICIA VISION, a renowned ophthalmology clinic in Marseille, offers several techniques for permanently correcting presbyopia:
- PresbyLASIK : A laser treatment laser using LASIK to quickly restore near vision, even in cases of myopia or hyperopia associated and astigmatism.
- PKR presby pkr or presbytranspkr: A technique suitable for thin corneas, requiring a slightly longer recovery time.
Is it a painful procedure?
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with eye drops. You may experience slight discomfort after the procedure, but this will quickly disappear.
How long does the operation take?
Each operation takes a few minutes per eye, but you should allow about an hour on site for the entire treatment and post-operative checks. Only 20 minutes in the operating room.
How long is the recovery period?
- PresbyLASIK : Uses the same laser as LASIK, return to work the next day, resume sports after one week
- PKR presbyPKR or transPKR : Requires 48 to 72 hours of recovery time before resuming activities.
Our doctors will support you throughout the post-operative period to optimize your recovery.
Can other visual disorders be corrected at the same time?
Yes, refractive surgery can treat presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and myopia and other visual . In some cases, astigmatism can be corrected at the same time as presbyopia to optimize overall vision quality.
Are the results final?
The correction is permanent, although natural aging may continue to evolve. In some cases, a slight touch-up may be considered by your surgeon. surgeon after several years. Unless cataracts have developed at that point, phacoemulsification (lens surgery) will be required.
Who can benefit from this intervention?
An ophthalmological examination is necessary to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. Certain criteria, such as corneal thickness or the presence of conditions such as keratoconus or cataracts, may influence eligibility.
In cases of early or advanced cataracts, laser refractive surgery is generally contraindicated. A specific procedure involving intraocular implants will then be considered to correct both the cataract and associated visual disorders.
Should I stop wearing my contact lenses before the operation?
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. Here are the recommended time limits:
- Soft contact lenses: stop wearing them two weeks before the examination and surgery.
- Hard or semi-hard lenses: stop wearing them 3 weeks before.
This ensures reliable measurements for optimal results.
Is surgery covered by insurance?
It's simple:
- On Doctolib, by choosing an appointment slot with a specialized ophthalmologist.
- By phone, by contacting PHENICIA VISION directly.
- Or by visiting our website.
The preoperative assessment allows you to:
- Measure your visual acuity,
- Assess the health of your cornea and lens,
- Choosing the best surgical technique for you.
At Phenicia Vision in Marseille, our team ofoptometrists and doctors combines expertise in ophthalmology and cutting-edge technology to offer long-lasting vision correction.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
Side effects are rare, but the risk is always present and most often temporary. These include:
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to light,
- Halos around lights (especially at night),
- Temporary fluctuation in vision.
- Difficulties adapting to distances
Good follow-up and clear communication between the patient andthe medical team make it possible to anticipate and quickly treat any discomfort, and reduce all risks.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply book an eye exam via Doctolib or by contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery directly. This appointment, conducted by an optometrist or eye surgeon, will accurately measure your prescription, assess the overall health of your eyes, and determine whether your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, or early cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist will then be able to recommend a suitable surgical technique (LASIK, PRK, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is essential to ensure personalized, safe care that meets your visual needs and lifestyle. During this assessment, you will be given a detailed quote, including the price of the operation according to the technique chosen.
What are the contraindications for refractive surgery?
Here are some situations where refractive surgery is not recommended:
- Cornea too thin,
- Progressive conditions (keratoconus, glaucoma, advanced cataracts),
- Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases,
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (temporarily),
- Severe untreated dry eye.
In these cases, other options may be suggested by the ophthalmologist to avoid any risk of complications.
Is it possible to have surgery if I have already had cataract surgery or if I have implants?
It is sometimes possible to undergo secondary refractive surgery (PRK or LASIK) even after implant placement, if residual correction is necessary. A thorough assessment will evaluate:
- The quality of the cornea,
- The type of implant,
- The tear film and the topography of the eye.
Do presbyopia and myopia occur at the same time?
Yes, particularly thanks to PresbyLASIK or the insertion ofmultifocal implants. This allows patients to regain comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering numerous benefits for people over the age of 40.
In some cases,astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon considers it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Is refractive surgery for hyperopia permanent, or can it "come back" over time?
Yes, particularly thanks to PresbyLASIK or the insertion ofmultifocal implants. This allows patients to regain comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering numerous benefits for people over the age of 40.
In some cases,astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon considers it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Can I drive or use a screen immediately after the procedure?
Refractive surgery provides a permanent solution for hyperopia. Once the cornea has been reshaped, it retains its new shape over time, allowing for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses for many years.
However, it is important to note that the eye continues to age naturally. After the age of 40-45, presbyopia may develop, even if hyperopia has been corrected. This change is not a recurrence of hyperopia, but a loss of accommodation of the lens, which can be corrected by other techniques if necessary.
Regular checkups with your ophthalmologist remain essential to preserve the quality of your vision in the long term.
Can I have the surgery even if I have worn glasses since childhood?
Yes, of course. Many patients with hyperopia have worn glasses since childhood, sometimes with a significant correction. It is entirely possible to have surgery provided that:
- Your vision has been stable for at least one year,
- Your cornea is sufficiently thick and regular,
- You had no medical contraindications.
The preoperative consultation will allow all these factors to be checked. It is often the case that long-term patients are among the most satisfied, as they rediscover the comfort of natural vision for the first time since childhood.
Is there an age limit for undergoing surgery for hyperopia?
There is no fixed age limit, but certain areas of caution should be taken into account:
- Under 20 years of age: it is preferable to wait until vision is stable, as hyperopia may still change.
- Between 20 and 45 years old: this is the ideal age range for LASIK or PRK correction.
- After 45-50 years of age: if presbyopia sets in, adapted techniques such as PresbyLASIK or multifocal implants are preferred.
In older patients, or those who have already undergone cataract surgery, additional surgery may be recommended. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, following a thorough assessment.
Can I drive or use a screen immediately after the procedure?
It all depends on the technique used and individual recovery:
- With LASIK, most patients regain good vision within a few hours and can drive the next day if the ophthalmologist gives the green light.
- With PKR, more pronounced visual discomfort is present for 2 to 3 days, making driving orprolonged use of screens uncomfortable.
- With PresbyLASIK, recovery is also quick, but slight blurriness when seeing close up may persist for a few days while the brain adapts to the new vision.
In all cases, a full day of rest is recommended after the operation, and it is best to avoid screens for 24 to 48 hours to limit fatigue.Your ophthalmologist will tell you exactly when it is safe to resume your normal activities.
How much does surgery for hyperopia cost, and are there any payment options available?
The cost depends on the technique used (LASIK, PRK, or PresbyLASIK) and the type of surgery required. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Between €2,000 and €2,800 for both eyes at Phenicia Vision
- This fee generally includes the preoperative assessment, the procedure, postoperative care, and follow-up consultations.
This surgery is not covered by Social Security, but some mutual insurance companies reimburse part of the costs (approximately €800 per year, depending on the policy).
