FDA Approves CustomVue Monovision LASIK

The FDA has recently approved the marketing for the first LASIK device ever designed to treat one eye for long-distance vision and the other for close-up vision.

This CustomVue corrects all nearsightedness in a patient's dominant eye while only correcting part of their nearsightedness in the non-dominant eye. After a while, the patient's brain will adjust to the difference in perpection, and will be able to see both far away and close up. Those considering CustomVue monovision LASIK should try wearing monovision contact lenses for at least a week beforehand to make sure they can tolerate the distorted perception. Patients of this procedure may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the procedure for some activities such as night driving or reading small type.

"The approval of the CustomVue Monovision LASIK expands permanent vision correction options for nearsighted adults who also have trouble focusing on objects close-up," said Daniel Schultz, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "Unlike traditional LASIK, Monovision LASIK may reduce the need for reading glasses in some people over 40."

The makers of the CustomVue device will conduct a post-approval study, at the FDA's request, which will follow 500 patients for six months after surgery to characterize the quality of vision obtained.

To learn more about CustomVue LASIK, click here.