iLASIK Over 40?

Tired of contacts, bifocals, even reading glasses? If you are over or approaching 40, there are things to consider before LASIK correction. After 40, there are changes in the lens inside the eye that cause difficulty in changing focus from distance to near.  This is called presbyopia.

LASIK can correct for one distance only so most people choose to have their vision corrected for distance.  LASIK cannot reverse presbyopia.  Before having LASIK, there are a few options to contemplate:

LASIK Distance Correction in Both Eyes
This is the most common preference and allows both eyes to work together.  If you are over 40, you will still need reading glasses.  

LASIK Monovision Correction
This option corrects your dominant eye for distance vision and your non-dominant for near.  The advantage is you will not need reading glasses for most tasks.  You may still need reading glasses for fine print or prolonged reading. Monovision should first be tried in contact lenses, before it is made permanent with laser treatment.

Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure for patients over the age of 45 who want to reduce their dependence on reading glasses. Using the same procedure that has been used for millions of patients undergoing cataract surgery, Dr. Mark Bearman and Dr. Sarah Hays perform the RLE procedure by removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. With the RLE procedure, specially designed intraocular lenses are used that allow the eye to focus for distance and NEAR.  Click here for more information about the various RLE implants.

Refractive Lens Exchange is used for the following types of patients: 
     • Patients with very high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness. 
    • Patients who want to limit their dependence on bifocals or reading glasses.
    • Patients who have corneas that are too thin for LASIK.
    • Patients who may be showing signs (even without symptoms) of developing 
        cataracts.

Monovision LASIK and Refractive Lens Exchange are great vision correction options, but must be fully understood before you make any decisions about surgery.  Our doctors can help you decide the best option available to help reduce your dependence on eyeglasses. Call us at 205-941-2020 for more information.