With standard LASIK surgery, patients can’t go glasses-free forever. Unfortunately, at around age 40, it’s normal to lose visual clarity close-up. This problem, presbyopia, happens because of age-related changes in the eyes. Standard LASIK doesn’t treat presbyopia, leaving many people over 40 feeling frustrated with the limitations of the procedure.
But, there’s great news: If you’re over 40 and need reading glasses, monovision LASIK might be an option to help you see both near and far. At Linda Vision, board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Dr. B. Linda Vu provides expert care for patients in Monterey Park and the Los Angeles area. Dr. Vu believes that patients of all ages deserve the best vision correction. If you want to live glasses-free after 40, monovision may be able to help. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative LASIK variant.
How Monovision Works
Monovision is a unique vision correction solution in which one eye is corrected for optimal distance vision and the other for close-up vision.
Before surgery, Dr. Vu uses ocular dominance testing to determine your dominant eye. During monovision LASIK surgery, Dr. Vu completely optimizes that eye for distance vision. She optimizes your other eye for close-up vision. In this way, you can see well at both distances. Your eyes adapt to this new configuration, allowing you to live an active life without glasses.
Benefits and Considerations of Monovision LASIK
Monovision LASIK offers a lot of convenience for everyday tasks, allowing you to do everything from driving to reading a menu to using a computer without stopping to put on your glasses.
However, there are a few considerations:
- There is a slight reduction in depth perception, which may impact activities requiring highly precise vision (for example, piloting a plane).
- There is a possible need for glasses in certain situations, such as reading for extended periods or driving at night. However, in general, it’s rare to need eyeglasses very often.
- The adjustment period generally lasts one to three weeks. You may have temporary issues like blurry vision and eye strain during this time. However, these issues resolve rapidly as your eyes adapt.
Monovision in Monterey Park, CA
Monovision could be a great solution if you’re over 40 and looking for comprehensive and convenient vision correction. Call us at 626-382-2020 to schedule your consultation at Linda Vision and determine if monovision suits you.
