LASIK and Presbyopia

If you are contemplating LASIK for your own eyes, you may be wondering type of eye problems can be treated by LASIK.  Through this article we provide you with some basic information about how LASIK can be helpful in dealing with and resolving an eye condition known as presbyopia.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a vision problem related to aging, and some think this happens when the lens in your eye becomes hardened. Because it is no longer flexible, it can’t reshape to accommodate light rays. Other researchers think it could be because the lens continues to grow, and still others believe the muscles controlling the lens are responsible. Regardless of the cause, this happens to everyone, and begins between ages 40 and 50, continuing into the mid 60s.

How Does LASIK Deal with Presbyopia?

One answer for many people who want LASIK and suffer from presbyopia is monovision. Monovision procedures are based on the idea that we have a dominant eye, like a dominant hand, that focuses our distance vision. LASIK surgeons will correct that eye for perfect distance vision, and the other for near vision (remember that the near vision correction further disables the distance focus in that eye).

As a result, one eye will do  the distance focusing and one eye will do the close work. This reduces your binocular vision considerably, and many people don’t adust well to this. Because doctors who fit contact lenses often prescribe monovision contact lenses for their patients, it’s best to try monovision this way before getting permanent surgical correction.

And remember, although monovision is an approved LASIK procedure for some with presbyopia, remember that you would have only one eye focused for distance. This means that you are going to drive, operate dangerous machinery, do close work, etc., with one good eye. Besides the hazards resulting from lack of depth perception, remember that some people never adjust to having only one eye and are uncomfortable with the procedure.

Replacement Lens Procedures

One alternative available now is the replacement lens. Although it’s not currently approved for presbyopia, those who are approved could still benefit from the surgery. Ask your eye care professional if you are a candidate for this surgery.

Other Procedures

There are other procedures for presbyopia that are currently in testing stages. One of those is LAPR, or laser presbyopia reversal. In this procedure, lasers are used to thin the sclera (the white of the eye) in eight places. This gives the lens more space to move. Another involves the use of gas bubbles to guide laser beams, which then restore flexibility to the lens. Still other researchers are working on a way to attach scleral expansion bands to increase tension in the muscles controlling the lens