It’s a prospect that appeals to many people, especially when it comes to being able to see clearly through a glass or contact lens-less paradigm. However, a question that is asked the most is whether Lasik eliminates the need for reading glasses. Explaining how Lasik works and what it does with regard to vision helps with this issue. Although Lasik can help correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, it isn’t enough to totally prevent the use of reading glasses as you age, the inability to focus on close objects that cause reading discomfort.
Regular Eye Examinations
Whatever the surgical options are, regular eye examinations are needed. The eye doctors can watch changes in the vision and suggest what may be needed to maintain the vision; an eye care provider can help determine the best course of action as presbyopia develops (reading glasses, surgical solution, or a combination) according to what is needed. Medical problems associated with vision include easy screenings, and early detection can help enhance quality of life.
LASIK Techniques and Options
Patients with conditions that include both distance vision problems and presbyopia have different options for methods of helping to cure, including different methods of Lasik. The one known is monovision Lasik, where one eye is operated to have a distant vision while the other is operated for the near vision. This approach allows some people to see well both ways, both in the distance and without using reading glasses.
However, monovision does not work for everyone because it causes one to lose depth perception and vision. However, when this option is appropriate, it is important to consult with an eye care professional. Multifocal Lasik is a second laser procedure that uses special settings on the laser to divide the cornea into different areas of the vision. A patient then sees at different distances. This option offers a visually more complete view of the presbyopia, but it may take some time to fine-tune your visual dynamics.
Age Considerations
How well Lasik eliminates the need for reading glasses varies with the patient. If you are younger, with a little presbyopia for your age, then you may find that there’s a significant improvement in your vision, and you may not need to use reading glasses as much as you do now. However, after surgery, older adults may still experience difficulties focusing on close objects as presbyopia progresses. Since age-related changes in the eye’s lens and cornea can affect outcomes of LASIK, age matters when deciding whether or not to opt for the treatment.
Expectations After Surgery
The results of Lasik surgery depend on post-operative expectations. Most people who undergo the procedure have improved vision immediately, but complete stabilization may take several weeks. A range of monitoring should occur for vision changes, and a consultation with a Lasik surgeon should be taken during this time.
Patients may notice that they can often focus better on nearby objects or that their focus can jump back and forth between nearby and far away objects. Realistic expectations about the need for reading glasses post-surgery may vary in individual results. Good communication with your surgeon can ease uncertainties and make a smoother recovery.
Alternative Solutions
There are alternatives for people who have Lasik but still need reading glasses. Improvements in seeing far away and near remain possible, as well as wearing multifocal contact lenses or reading glasses. Some patients, including conductive keratoplasty and lens implant for presbyopia, also choose several other surgical procedures. With an eye care professional, it’s okay to play around with the given options so that you can figure out what works best to keep vision clear from close and distance after LASIK.
Conclusion
Lasik, however, can drastically improve your distance vision but may not eliminate your dependence on glasses for close work (if you ever experience presbyopia). Outcomes depend on age, surgical technique, and the nature of the individual eye. If you are contemplating having LASIK, then it is important to have a full conversation with an eye care specialist to learn what you can expect regarding the potential outcomes and other near-vision clarity maintenance options.