Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK is a medical procedure for the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It is also used in the treatment of presbyopia.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a condition that is commonly associated with age. As one gets older, the eye’s ability to focus diminishes. Normally, or at least when the person is young, the lenses of the eyes change its shape when focusing on objects that are near and objects that are far. This ability is called elasticity of the eye’s lens. As one ages, however, this elasticity of the lens decreases. It then becomes very difficult to focus on nearby objects. Usually, the condition starts around the age of 40.
Symptoms of presbyopia:
- Inability to focus on near objects
- Eyestrain
- Frequent headaches
Treatment for presbyopia:
- Wearing contact lenses (multifocal contact lenses)
- Wearing eyeglasses (bifocal lenses or progressive addition lenses, reading glasses)
- Vision surgery (LASIK surgery, surgical reversal of the condition, intraocular lens implants)
In the past, people with presbyopia had no other choice but to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Today, however, there are many surgical remedies for the condition.
What type of LASIK is for presbyopia?
Monovision LASIK is usually recommended by eye doctors to patients with presbyopia. The procedure creates a monovision that deals with the condition. Under normal conditions, the eyes are in synchronicity and see objects together. Both eyes, therefore, create what is known as binocular vision. However, although the eyes work together, there is a dominant eye that the brain favors. In contact lenses, the eye doctors then prescribe a lens for distance vision while the other lens is for near vision. With one eye dedicated to near vision and the other for distance vision, binocular vision is then created.
In monovision LASIK, the surgeon will use the same principle and create monovision. The non-dominant eye will be left nearsighted so that the patient can see near objects clearly without the use of reading glasses. In the past, there were surgeons who performed the monovision LASIK even though it had not been approved by the FDA. In 2007, however, the FDA approved Abbott’s and Visx CustomVue excimer laser for the procedure. Using the CustomVue procedure, vision correction can be custom fit to the eyes of the patient. It can easily detect and correct imperfections in the eye. The result is better vision.
Is LASIK the right treatment for you?
LASIK is best for those who need reading glasses and find it hard to see near objects clearly. The best candidates are patients who are 40 years and over.
If you want to know more about LASIK for presbyopia, you can go to Houston LASIK & Eye, a leading LASIK or laser eye surgery center in Houston, TX. Houston LASIK & Eye uses the latest CustomVue technology and procedures for patients with presbyopia.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & EYe, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002021/
http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/presbyopia/presbyopia.html
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/presbyopia_surgery.htm
