Surgical vision correction options by Age

41-60

Patients in this age range can be challenging because of the natural onset of “Presbyopia”. Presbyopia is when the eye’s natural lens begins to become more rigid and it is not able to change its shape as well to add additional light focusing power to allow for good near vision. This is why people who previously had no need for glasses correction will become dependent on over the counter reading glasses for reading and computer work. Though the lens remains clear for many at these ages it is not usually possible to have both distance and near vision simultaneously in each eye due to this condition. Both eyes can be set for good distance vision with laser vision correction, but patients would still require over the counter reading glasses for reading and other near vision dependent activities.
Another option is to have one eye set for near vision and the other eye set for distance vision. This is called “monovision”. Your surgeon can fit you with a contact lens trial for monovision to see if you tolerate it well for most daily activities. If so, laser vision correction with either LASIK or PRK could be a good vision correction option for you that would eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses for most activities. You would need an evaluation prior to any surgical intervention to go over risks and benefits of laser vision correction and to talk with your surgeon about what your best laser vision correction option would be.
In contrast to patients who have no cataracts at this stage of life, some may have cataracts at the time of your surgical vision correction consultation, and in these cases a lens based vision correction procedure such as refractive cataract surgery may be recommended instead of LASIK or PRK. Your surgeon will discuss with you your lens replacement options in conjunction with laser cataract surgery that can have you less dependent on glasses and contact lenses while simultaneously removing the medical cause of visual impairment, the cataract.
You can call anytime to schedule a consultation to find out what type of procedure would be best for your lifestyle needs.