What if I need reading glasses?

PRESBYOPIA

Presbyopia is a normal ageing process of the eye that happens to everyone. This process usually starts to occur in the mid forties. Prior to becoming presbyopic, the natural lens of the eye has the capacity to alter shape in order to focus on near objects, such as a computer screen or newspaper. This is called accomodation. As we get older, the ability to accomodate decreases as the lens becomes more rigid. Often, there is reduced ability to focus on near objects. The end result is that it becomes harder to see up close (’my arms are too short’) and reading glasses become necessary.

MONOVISION

One way to prevent wearing glasses with presbyopia is using LASIK to focus one eye for reading and the either eye for distance. This is called Monovision. In our experience, around 80% of people tolerate Monovision very well. We usually trial monovision with disposable contact lenses prior to LASIK to determine whether this is the best option for the individual patient. Even if you have not worn contact lenses before, our experienced Optometrist will fit you with the appropriate contact lenses for one week, at your free initial consultation, to determine if the LASIK Monovision option is the best method to obtain your desired visual result.

MONOVISION REFRACTIVE LENSECTOMY

Another way to prevent wearing glasses with presbyopia is using Monovision Refractive Lensectomy to focus one eye for reading and the either eye for distance. Refractive Lensectomy is a technique is for the correction of shortsightedness and longsightedness and presbyopia. It is a good alternative for people over 50 and those who are not suitable candidates for LASIK which include people whose Cornea is too thin, those with extreme shortsightedness (greater than 10 Dioptres) and those with extreme longsightedness (greater than 6 Dioptres). This technique involves removing and replacing the natural lens inside the eye with an intraocular lens (IOL) of the correct focus power.

Advantages of Refractive Lensectomy:

As one’s own Cornea is preserved, the optical quality is often better than corneal refractive surgery. In addition, people over 40-50 years of age start to show the earliest signs of Cataract (clouding of the natural lens inside your eye) and often require surgery to remove it between the ages of 65-80. You will never require Cataract surgery (eventually everyone does if they live enough) in the future if you have Refractive Lensectomy.