Work starts on presbyopia guidance

Dr Shehzad Naroo, editor-in-chief, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (CLAE)

An evidence-based guideline on presbyopia and its management is being developed by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA).

A global consensus report, to be published in January 2024, will set out the latest information and highlight opportunities for research. Expert panels will create a new standard for presbyopia care. 

The guidance will cover eight areas.

1. Diagnosis and classification.
2. Mechanism and optics.
3. Epidemiology and impact.
4. Evaluation and diagnosis.
5. Management with spectacles and contact lenses.
6. Management with corneal techniques.
7. Management with scleral techniques.
8. Management with intraocular lenses. 

The report will be published in the January 2024 edition of Contact Lens and Anterior Eye (CLAE). 

Professor James Wolffsohn, executive co-chair of BCLA CLEAR, said: “The work will involve the top experts and will allow us to draw conclusions and to form a global consensus to support clinicians with what information is supported by evidence, researchers as to the gaps in current knowledge and to guide industry in what still needs to be achieved.”

CLAE editor-in chief Dr Shehzad Naroo said: “The previous BCLA CLEAR issue on the topic of contact lenses has already shown to be a huge resource for everyone involved in that field.” Now the presbyopia issue will set a “benchmark” for this area, he added.

Previous guidance was launched in April 2021. The BCLA is recruiting experts to contribute. Find the application form at BCLA Presbyopia and return by 30 September.