Ages 45 and over
Vision options for ages 45+
Once the natural lens has begun to stiffen, correcting the cornea alone does not necessarily solve the reading problem. In a lens exchange, the natural lens is replaced, so a cataract cannot later develop in it.
30+ years of experienceFree assessmentMedical assessment and treatment
What changes after the age of 45?
From around the mid-40s the eye’s natural lens gradually stiffens, making it harder to focus on close objects. This is presbyopia, and it affects almost everyone eventually.
It is why reading glasses or varifocals become necessary even for people who have never needed correction before. It is a normal part of ageing rather than a disease, and it cannot be prevented.
Because presbyopia is caused by changes in the eye's natural lens, the relevant treatment options for this age group are often lens-based. The natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, chosen on the basis of your vision, your eye health and your needs and expectations.
Treatment options from the age of 45
Which treatment may be relevant is assessed on the basis of thorough measurements, your vision, your general eye health and your needs and expectations. This is established at the free assessment.
Lens
Trifocal lenses
An artificial lens with three focal points, giving vision at near, intermediate and far distances. Most patients become independent of glasses for daily life, though some use light reading glasses for very fine print.
Typically considered for presbyopia, when vision correction at several distances is wanted.
Lens
EDOF lenses
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses provide a continuous range of vision rather than distinct focal points. Some patients experience a more natural quality of vision at night, while vision very close up can be more limited.
Typically considered for: patients who drive at night, or prefer a smoother range of focus.
Lens
Clear Lens Exchange
The natural lens is replaced before cataract has developed. Once the lens has been removed, a cataract cannot later develop in the natural lens.
Typically considered for: presbyopia combined with long- or short-sightedness.
Lens
Refractive cataract surgery
If a cataract has already begun to form, the clouded lens is removed and your prescription can be corrected at the same time by the choice of replacement lens.
Typically considered for: patients with a developing or established cataract.
Over 45: Lens treatments
We meet you with thorough information and a focus on peace of mind
Presbyopia
Our multifocal / trifocal lenses correct your presbyopia by replacing your eye's natural lens with an artificial lens.
Monofocal and toric lenses
A monofocal lens has a single focal point, which is typically chosen for either distance or near vision. A toric lens can also correct astigmatism at the same time.
Comparing the lens options
A simplified overview. Your surgeon will explain the trade-offs that apply to your eyes.
| Option | Range of vision | Main trade-off | Cataract later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trifocal | Near, intermediate and far | Some patients notice halos around lights at night, usually easing over months | Not in the natural lens |
| EDOF | Continuous range, strongest at intermediate and far | Reading glasses may still be needed for very fine print | Not in the natural lens |
| Clear Lens Exchange | Depends on the lens chosen | Replaces a lens that is still clear | Not in the natural lens |
| Refractive cataract surgery | Depends on the lens chosen | Timed by when the cataract develops | Cataract is removed |
In all four, the natural lens is removed, so a cataract cannot form in it afterwards. A clouding of the thin membrane that holds the lens (secondary cataract) can develop later in some patients – this is common and readily treated with a short laser procedure. More on secondary cataract.
Are you likely to be suitable?
General indicators only – suitability is established by clinical examination.
Often suitable if:
- You are over 45 and use reading or varifocal glasses
- Your eyes are otherwise healthy
- You want correction across several distances
- You have realistic expectations of the outcome
Often not suitable if:
- You have significant macular or retinal disease
- You have advanced glaucoma or corneal disease
- You have had certain previous eye surgery
- Your expectations cannot realistically be met
What the process involves
Free assessment
A full diagnostic examination, including measurements used to select your lens. Around 1–2 hours.
Choosing a lens
You are taken through the options, their trade-offs and risks, based on your vision, your eye health and your needs and expectations.
Treatment
One eye at a time, under anaesthetic drops, around 15 minutes per eye. Most patients feel little or no discomfort.
Follow-up
Scheduled check-ups are included in your treatment price while your vision settles.
Risks and limitations
Lens replacement is an established procedure, but it is intraocular surgery and carries risk. Please consider the following.
- Halos or glare around lights at night are common after multifocal and trifocal lenses. For most patients this eases over months as the brain adapts, but it does not resolve completely for everyone.
- Some patients still need glasses for particular tasks, such as very small print or prolonged reading.
- A secondary cataract – clouding of the lens capsule – develops in some patients months or years later. It is readily treated with a short laser procedure.
- Serious complications such as infection, retinal detachment or a lasting reduction in vision quality are uncommon but possible.
- Once the natural lens is removed the procedure cannot be reversed.
- Results vary between individuals. No specific outcome can be promised in advance.
Your surgeon will discuss the risks that apply to your eyes and the lens proposed, and you will have time to consider before deciding.
Learn more at our free webinars and information evenings
We regularly hold information evenings and webinars where our eye surgeons explain the treatments at EuroEyes and answer questions.
“Many patients describe the moment afterwards as a quiet shift – simply waking up and seeing the world clearly, without reaching for glasses or lenses.”Dr. Jørn Slot Jørgensen – Founder, Medical Director and CEO of EuroEyes
What our patients say
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Frequently asked questions
Can I have laser eye surgery after 45?
Laser treatment corrects the cornea, but presbyopia originates in the lens inside the eye, so laser does not address it. For this reason lens-based options are usually the relevant ones from around 45. Your assessment will confirm what applies to your eyes.
Will I be free of glasses afterwards?
Most patients become independent of glasses for daily life, though some continue to use light reading glasses for very fine print. Individual results vary and no specific outcome can be promised in advance.
Can I get a cataract after lens replacement?
Not in the natural lens, because it has been removed. A clouding of the thin capsule that holds the lens – known as secondary cataract – can develop later in some patients. It is common and readily treated with a short laser procedure that takes a few minutes.
What are halos, and will I get them?
Halos are rings of light seen around headlights or streetlights at night. They are common after multifocal and trifocal lenses. For most patients they ease over the following months as the brain adapts, but they do not resolve completely for everyone. If you drive a great deal at night, tell your surgeon so it can be weighed in the choice of lens.
Is the treatment reversible?
No. Once the natural lens has been removed the procedure cannot be undone, although the artificial lens can in rare cases be exchanged. This is why the assessment and discussion beforehand matter.
What does it cost, and is there a subsidy?
Prices depend on the lens and are confirmed in writing at your free assessment – see our pricing page. Sygeforsikring “danmark” members and some private health insurance policies may be entitled to a subsidy, depending on membership group and policy terms. Interest-free financing is available; full details are provided at your assessment.
Ready to see clearly?
Book a free, no-obligation assessment at your nearest EuroEyes clinic.
