Are Reading Glasses the Only Option?

Aging brings many different types of physical changes. One that often frustrates people is the development of presbyopia. Most people wouldn’t recognize the name of the condition but know the symptoms of not being able to focus well on objects close to you or read small print.

The occurrence of presbyopia typically begins at about age 40 and is generally believed to stem from a thickening and loss of flexibility of the lens of your eye. What you notice as the process begins is that you experience blurred vision when reading, working close up, or at the computer. Holding reading material at arm’s length may allow you to focus but provides only a temporary solution.

At your annual eye exam, your ophthalmologist will likely give you a prescription for bifocals or recommend reading glasses. Bi-focal lenses are a solution that is difficult for some people to adjust to, and reading glasses can be an inconvenience.

Glasses aren’t the only option, however. There are a couple of refractive surgical procedures that deal with the effects of presbyopia and can leave you free of corrective lenses. One such option is monovision LASIK. In this unique type of LASIK, one eye is corrected for near vision while the other eye is corrected for distance vision. It won’t take long for your brain to correct itself so you properly again.

You may also want to consider conductive keratoplasty (CK). CK is a minimally invasive refractive surgery procedure that uses radio waves to create more curvature in the cornea to improve near vision. CK is a great option for patients who may not be good LASIK candidates.

Another option is Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), in which the natural lens is removed and replaced with an advanced intraocular lens that can give you good close and distance vision.

The good news is that if you are struggling with the effects of presbyopia, there are other options available to you aside from wearing corrective lenses. To research those options and locate an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area, please contact The Lasik Directory.

PNW