Presbyopia Correction

Presbyopia correction under the care of Dr. Nishant Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center in Tirana. Using multifocal intraocular lenses or extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (Symfony), treatment is personalized to improve vision at different distances and reduce dependence on glasses.

Updated (25 August 2026)

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the gradual, age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus clearly on nearby objects. It usually becomes noticeable after the age of 40, when the natural lens loses its flexibility and ability to change focus.

People who previously saw clearly without glasses may begin to need reading glasses or glasses for computer work. People with nearsightedness may need different vision correction for near, intermediate, and distance vision, such as when reading, using a computer, watching television, driving, or going to the cinema. Relying on several pairs of glasses can also become an inconvenience during sports, beach holidays, skiing, and other everyday activities.

In suitable patients, presbyopia correction surgery replaces the eye’s natural lens with a multifocal intraocular lens or an extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lens (Symfony). These lenses are designed to provide functional vision at multiple distances and may significantly reduce dependence on glasses. Complete freedom from glasses cannot be guaranteed for every patient.

PRESBYOPIA CORRECTION AT A GLANCE

Duration:

~10 min. per eye

Recovery:

3–5 days

Anesthesia:

Local

Clinical experience:

+50,000 SURGICAL PROCEDURES

What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

Presbyopia develops gradually and usually becomes noticeable after the age of 40. The most common signs include:

Blurred Near Vision

Small print, phone screens, and other nearby objects become increasingly difficult to see clearly.

Holding Text Farther Away

You may need to hold a book, menu, or phone at arm’s length to bring it into focus.

Need for More Light

Reading and detailed close-up work may become easier under brighter lighting.

Eye Strain

Your eyes may feel tired, irritated, or uncomfortable after reading, working on a computer, or performing other close-up activities.

Headaches During Close-Up Work

Prolonged reading, sewing, phone use, or computer work may cause headaches and visual discomfort.

Difficulty Changing Focus

Shifting focus from near to distant objects may become slower or less comfortable.

Lens Options for Presbyopia Correction

The most suitable intraocular lens depends on eye health, refractive error, daily activities, and visual needs. Dr. Nishant Taneja assesses each patient individually and selects the lens based on their needs for reading, computer work, driving, and other activities.

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses

Multifocal intraocular lenses use different optical zones to provide functional near, intermediate, and distance vision. They can significantly reduce dependence on glasses, although some patients may experience glare, halos around lights, or reduced contrast, particularly at night.

Extended-Range-of-Vision Intraocular Lenses (Symfony)

Extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (Symfony) provide a broader range of vision. They are designed to offer clear distance and intermediate vision, along with functional near vision. Glasses may still be needed for very small print or prolonged reading.

Personalized Lens Selection

The lens is selected based on detailed measurements and the patient’s lifestyle. Reading habits, computer use, driving, work, activities, the dominant eye, corneal astigmatism, and retinal health are all considered before a recommendation is made.

With experience in more than 6,000 multifocal and extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens implantations, the clinic provides personalized planning for presbyopia correction. The benefits, limitations, and potential visual trade-offs are explained before treatment.

Can prevented presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a natural part of aging and currently cannot be prevented. However, certain measures can protect overall eye health and make reading and near vision more comfortable.

Have regular eye examinations: An examination confirms presbyopia and checks for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and other age-related conditions that may affect vision.

Use appropriate vision correction: Properly prescribed reading glasses, progressive lenses, or contact lenses can reduce visual strain before or instead of undergoing surgery.

Improve lighting and take screen breaks: Good lighting and regular breaks can make reading, using a phone, and working on a computer more comfortable.

Protect your overall eye health: Keep diabetes and high blood pressure under control, avoid smoking, and wear UV-protective eyewear.

These measures support eye health and may reduce discomfort during near-vision tasks. Sudden changes in vision, severe pain, or the sudden appearance of floaters require an immediate examination by an ophthalmologist.

Benefits of Presbyopia Correction

Presbyopia correction aims to improve functional vision at everyday distances and reduce dependence on multiple pairs of glasses. Results depend on the lens selected, eye health, and individual visual needs.

Vision at Different Distances

Intraocular lenses for presbyopia correction can provide functional vision for reading, computer work, watching television, driving, and other daily activities.

Less Dependence on Glasses

Many suitable patients use glasses less often after the procedure, although they may still be needed for small print, low-light conditions, or very fine work.

Personalized Vision Correction

The intraocular lens is selected based on eye measurements, occupation, reading habits, computer use, driving, activities, and lifestyle.

Return to Daily Activities

Vision usually begins to improve quickly, and many patients return to their usual activities within 3–5 days, depending on their postoperative examination and the surgeon’s instructions.

Permanent Artificial Lens

The intraocular lens is designed to remain permanently in the eye. Once the natural lens has been removed, a cataract cannot form in the artificial lens. However, the capsule behind the lens may become cloudy later and may require a brief laser procedure.

Personalized Presbyopia Correction Solutions

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses

Multifocal intraocular lenses are designed to provide functional near, intermediate, and distance vision. They can reduce the need for separate glasses for reading, computer work, and distance vision.

They may be suitable for:
  • Reading and Using a Phone
  • Computer Work and Intermediate Vision
  • Distance Vision During Daily Activities
  • Reducing Dependence on Multiple Pairs of Glasses

Extended-Range-of-Vision Intraocular Lenses (Symfony)

Extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (Symfony) broaden the range of vision. They are designed to support distance and intermediate vision in particular, while also providing functional near vision.

They may be suitable for:
  • They may be suitable for:
  • Driving and distance activities
  • Computer Work and Intermediate Vision
  • Patients who accept the occasional use of glasses for very small print

Personalized Lens Planning

No single intraocular lens is suitable for every patient. Dr. Nishant Taneja selects the lens after assessing eye health, refractive error, corneal astigmatism, retinal health, the dominant eye, and everyday visual needs.

The following are considered during the planning process:
  • Reading and computer work requirements
  • Driving and night vision
  • Work, sports, and other activities
  • Expected visual benefits and trade-offs

What to Expect

The presbyopia correction journey begins with a comprehensive eye examination and a detailed discussion of your visual needs. Before you make a decision, the recommended lens, expected results, potential limitations, surgical procedure, recovery, and follow-up schedule will be explained to you.

01. Comprehensive Eye Examination

During the examination, visual acuity is assessed, intraocular pressure is measured, and the front of the eye is examined with a slit-lamp biomicroscope. Eye drops are then used to dilate the pupils so that the natural lens, retina, macula, and other structures at the back of the eye can be examined.

Tests may include optical biometry with the IOLMaster to calculate intraocular lens power, corneal topography to assess curvature and astigmatism, macular OCT to examine the center of the retina, ocular ultrasound and A-scan measurements, as well as endothelial microscopy to measure the corneal endothelial cells.

The examination concludes with dilated fundus biomicroscopy to identify diseases of the retina, macula, or optic nerve, as well as other conditions that could affect suitability for treatment and the expected visual outcome.

02. Procedure

Presbyopia correction with intraocular lens implantation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia using eye drops. The patient arrives at the clinic approximately one hour before surgery. Drops are first administered to dilate the pupils, followed by anesthetic drops to numb the eye.

During surgery, the aging natural lens, which has lost its ability to accommodate, is removed using a controlled aspiration technique. It is replaced with a multifocal intraocular lens or an extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens (Symfony) through an incision of approximately 2 mm. The incision is usually self-sealing and does not require stitches.

The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. Most patients experience little or no pain, although they may notice light, movement, or slight pressure. When appropriate under the clinic’s protocol, both eyes may be treated during the same session to allow faster visual rehabilitation. Dr. Taneja determines whether treating both eyes on the same day or on separate dates is more appropriate for the patient.

After the postoperative examination, the patient may leave the clinic approximately 15 minutes after the procedure. Transportation home should be arranged, and all instructions provided by the clinic must be followed.

03. Recovery and Follow-Up

Vision usually begins to improve quickly, and many patients return to their usual activities within 3–5 days. Complete healing and adaptation to the multifocal intraocular lens or extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens may take longer and vary from patient to patient.

The prescribed eye drops must be used according to the schedule provided by the clinic. Follow-up examinations are usually performed on the first day after the procedure, seven days after surgery, and approximately three weeks after the procedure.

Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the initial recovery period. During the first three days, tap water must not enter the operated eye. The patient should avoid rubbing the eye, excessive bending, and heavy lifting during the first month or for the period recommended by Dr. Taneja.

Vision can be used relatively soon after the procedure, but temporary blurring, glare, halos around lights, or a period of visual adaptation may occur. The patient should not drive or resume strenuous activities without the doctor’s approval. Severe pain, sudden loss of vision, redness, or a sudden increase in floaters requires urgent contact with the clinic.

Diagnostics and Technology

IOLMaster

The IOLMaster is a device that measures the parameters required to calculate the power of the intraocular lens to be implanted during the procedure. The lens power is calculated using the eye’s axial length, keratometry readings, anterior chamber depth, and specialized formulas. The patient sits in front of the device and rests their chin and forehead on the supports while the device automatically records all the necessary data. The examination is painless, takes approximately 30 seconds, and provides immediate results.

ULTRASOUND + A-SCAN

Ocular ultrasound and A-scan are used to examine the internal structures and axial length of the eye. The patient sits in a comfortable chair while the doctor gently places an ultrasound probe over the closed eyelids and records the necessary images. During the A-scan examination, anesthetic eye drops are applied before the probe is placed on the surface of the cornea. The examination is painless, safe, and takes only a few minutes.

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography is an examination that creates a map of the curvature of the cornea’s front surface and determines the degree of corneal astigmatism. The patient sits in front of the device and rests their chin and forehead on the supports while the device automatically records all the necessary data. The examination is painless, takes only a few seconds, and provides immediate results.

Endothelial Microscope

The endothelial microscope is used to measure the number and condition of the corneal endothelial cells. The patient sits in front of the device and rests their chin and forehead on the supports while the device automatically records all the necessary data. The examination is painless, takes only a few seconds, and provides immediate results.

Indian Eye Clinic Tirana: 15+ Years of Trust

50,000+
Successful Procedures
20+
Years of Experience & Expertise
Specialties

Retina | Cataract | Refractive Surgery

Dr. Nishant Taneja

Download the Guides Free for Patients

Professional guides on the most common eye conditions, treatment options, the recovery process, and frequently asked questions.
Glaucoma Guide 2

Glaucoma Guide 2

Published on
(August 10, 2026)
Download PDF
Glaucoma Guide

Glaucoma Guide

Published on
(August 10, 2026)
Download PDF
Retinal Diseases Guide

Retinal Diseases Guide

Published on
(August 10, 2026)
Download PDF
Cataract Surgery Guide

Cataract Surgery Guide

Published on
(August 10, 2026)
Download PDF
INFO

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I suitable for surgical presbyopia correction?

Suitability depends on your age, prescription, the condition of your cornea and retina, your natural lens, your dominant eye, your medical history, and your expectations. A comprehensive examination by Dr. Nishant Taneja is required before any surgical treatment can be recommended.

Which presbyopia treatment is most suitable for me?

The most suitable option may be reading or progressive glasses, multifocal or monovision contact lenses, or surgical treatment. Dr. Taneja will recommend only the options that match your eye measurements, visual needs, and tolerance for potential effects such as glare, halos around lights, or the occasional need for glasses.

Will I be completely independent of glasses?

No treatment can guarantee complete independence from glasses. Many suitable patients reduce their dependence on reading glasses, but they may still be needed for very small print, prolonged close work, poorly lit environments, or tasks requiring very fine vision.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time?

This depends on the selected treatment and the condition of your eyes. Glasses or contact lenses correct both eyes at the same time, while the timing of intraocular lens surgery is planned individually. Dr. Taneja will explain whether treating your eyes on separate dates would be safer or more appropriate for you.

Take the First Step Toward Better Vision.

Fill out the form below and our team will contact you
to schedule a consultation and answer your questions.

Contact Form