AS our eyes age, the ability to see print deteriorates. This process is known as presbyopia and starts around the age of 40.

"This deterioration is progressive as we age and affects everyone, including those with short sight and those with good distance vision," said Dr Stephen Chung of the Optimax Eye Centre in Taman Tun, Dr Ismail. It may not be as tiresome when your are in 40s. But when you reach your 50s and 60s, the condition could become more difficult.

"Presbyopia is an age-related reading problem and a lot of research has gone into procedures to overcome it. One of the latest breakthroughs is the Kamra corneal implant. Only 3.8mm in diameter, the Kamra corneal inlay is a thin bio-compatible disc smaller than a contact lens. It has a ring-like shape with a smaller central opening. The ring is opaque and directs light entering the eye through its central opening which increases depth of focus, increasing the range of clear vision to allow you to see near objects easier."

The implant is performed only on one eye to improve the near vision on that eye.

The Kamra inlay in the eye

"In the beginning, there is a period of adjustment. One has to get used to seeing near objects better in one eye while the other eye views distance objects better."

The procedure in inserting the inlay is similar to Lasik. Lasik is first carried out to correct any vision problems. The Kamra inlay is then placed under the Lasik flap and kept in position.

Like all other eye operations, your doctor will only implant the Kamra inlay after a comprehensive examination, said Dr Chung.

After the procedure, it is common to experience temporary light sensitivity, watery eyes and mild irritation during the first few weeks. Some will note dramatic recovery of near vision while others experience moderate improvement over the next three to six months.

Patients should try to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on their eye for the first 90 days. During the first three months, tear film disorder is common, so artificial tears has to be frequently used to maintain a healthy cornea and keep the Kamra inlay healthy.

Lai Ah Fook, a patient of Dr Chung opted for the Kamra inlay procedure to improve his near vision.

Prior to the procedure, he had to carry reading glass with him all the time. "The Kamra inlay has helped me tremendously and I can read without my reading glass now.

Although the operation is performed on one eye but when you're focusing, you're actually using both eyes.

"For me, the first week after the treatment was a struggle. Part of the recovery process involves performing eye exercises. You have to look from large to small objects and try to read the newspaper, to train your eye to read again but I could not perform these exercises for too long as I felt tired. But by the second week, my condition improved significantly."

It has been more than a month since he underwent the operation and he experienced some double image on his distance vision but hopes it is just a stage of recovery.

Overall, he is very pleased with the treatment.

Another patient that opted for the treatment to improve her near vision is teacher Choo Poh Lian.

"As a teacher, I have to mark a lot of papers and my ability to read my students' homework was getting worse. I also did not want to wear glasses," she said.

"My eyesight degree kept increasing and it was difficult to read normal print. I can only see objects that are at a distance as I am long-sighted." How did Choo adjust after the procedure?

"The eye where the lens was inserted was clearer than the other. At first, it was difficult to adjust but every week, there was improvement. Now, I just feel a slight discomfort but I can read my students' papers clearly and I don't need glasses.

"It's been slightly over a month since the procedure, and I feel the difference every week. I also do the eye exercises at home."

Initially for Choo, the blurriness of the eye that was not implanted with the karma lens took a while to get used to.

"Watching movies was not so easy. I felt sleepy and tired." However, she is happy with the procedure as she can read and doesn't have to wear glasses.

In conjunction with Merdeka, there is a special promotion for a full eye examination from now until Sept 30. The normal cost is RM120 per person but for the Merdeka promotion, a voucher of RM120 entitles three people to a full eye examination. The examination includes glaucoma, cataract, eye sight, eye muscle, retina, corneal and external eye health check. For more information, visit www.optimax2u.com or call 1800 88 1201.