Hello, I've recently joined the forum. I had Lasik back when I was 25 years old. I'm now 42, and my distant vision started getting worse again around 40. I've been wearing glasses since then. I've wanted to get Lasik again to correct this, but I've been told my closer vision will be compromised. Has anyone done this and feel like it was still worth it. I'm figuring I'm going to have to wear readers at some point anyway, so why have to wear glasses for long-distance vision and close up.
Welcome to the forum!
Presbyopia is a common condition that typically starts to affect people in their 40s and 50s. It's due to the lens inside the eye becoming less flexible over time, making it harder to focus on close objects. This is separate from the distance vision problems (like nearsightedness or myopia) that LASIK usually corrects. So, even if you get a second LASIK procedure to correct your distance vision, you may still find that you need reading glasses for close work due to presbyopia.
If you're considering undergoing LASIK a second time, here are some factors and potential options to consider:
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Monovision LASIK: This is a technique where one eye (usually the dominant one) is corrected for distance vision, while the other eye is left slightly nearsighted to help with reading and close work. This approach can help reduce the need for reading glasses. However, not everyone adapts well to monovision. Before opting for this, it's commonly recommended to try monovision with contact lenses first to see if you can adjust to it.
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Blended Vision: This is a milder form of monovision where the difference between the two eyes is less pronounced. It's designed to be less noticeable than full monovision.
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Potential Compromises: As you mentioned, undergoing another LASIK to correct for distance might mean compromising on near vision, requiring reading glasses. On the other hand, if you do nothing, you may end up wearing bifocals or progressive lenses to correct both distance and near vision.
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Safety and Suitability: Not everyone is a candidate for a second LASIK procedure. Factors like corneal thickness and eye health must be assessed. Re-treatment might pose a higher risk of certain complications.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision boils down to what you're most comfortable with. Some people prefer the clarity that comes from correcting distance vision and don't mind using reading glasses for close tasks. Others might prioritize having clear near vision without aids and are okay with using glasses for distance.
It might be helpful to connect with others who've undergone LASIK a second time or tried options like monovision to get their perspectives and experiences. This can give you a better idea of what to expect and whether the potential benefits outweigh the compromises.