Problems with reading (near vision) occur in everyone around the age of 40-45. The condition is called presbyopia.

For most individuals under 40, the natural lens of the eye is flexible and can change its focusing power to accommodate for a change in an object’s position from far to near. Beginning at the age of 40, the natural lens of the eye becomes more rigid and loses its ability to change its focusing power. All objects within a one to three foot range become out of focus, necessitating the need for reading glasses.

The LASIK procedure has the capability of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism but not presbyopia.  For adults over the age of 40 who wish to be able to see both near and far without glasses, monovision may be an option. Monovision is a condition that the surgeon creates with LASIK by correcting one eye for distance focusing and the other eye for near focusing. The nearsighted eye allows an individual to read. However, only 30% of individuals are able to tolerate the optical difference between both eyes. It is important to have a monovision trial period with contact lenses to ensure that the monovision option is acceptable prior to being treated surgically.

 

At the present time bifocal LASIK treatments are under investigation by the FDA. This treatment allows individuals to have simultaneous distance and near vision. However, there is a compromise in that neither distance nor near vision is as acceptable as a monofocal treatment for distance or near. In addition there is a high incidence of nighttime glare with the present bifocal LASIK treatment. New strategies for this type of treatment are still being devised. 

 

If you have been considering laser vision correction it is best to be examined by a refractive surgeon who will provide individualized treatment. This is the best way to ensure that you will obtain the visual result you expect from laser vision correction.