If you’ve been considering LASIK surgery, you might have wondered whether it’s a suitable option if you have trouble seeing up close. Many people associate LASIK with improving distance vision, especially for those who need glasses for activities like driving or watching TV. But what if the real issue is difficulty with near vision, such as reading a book or using your phone?
Let’s break it down. LASIK is often a life-changing procedure for those struggling with blurry distance vision, but what happens when you have trouble seeing close-up objects? Will LASIK still work for you? Here’s what you need to know about LASIK and its effects on near vision.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. The goal is to improve how light enters the eye, thereby improving vision. The procedure has become popular for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, when it comes to close-up vision problems, things can get a little more complicated.
What Causes Trouble Seeing Close-Up?
Difficulty seeing things up close typically comes with age. It’s called presbyopia, and it’s a normal part of aging. As we get older, the lens inside our eye becomes less flexible, which makes it harder to focus on things nearby. This is a condition that most people will experience at some point, usually starting in their 40s or 50s.
Presbyopia is different from other vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). While those conditions are caused by the shape of the cornea or eye, presbyopia is due to the lens becoming stiff. So, if you’re having trouble reading or seeing your phone up close but have decent distance vision, this could be a sign of presbyopia.
Can LASIK Fix Near Vision Problems?
LASIK is primarily designed to treat distance vision problems. It works by reshaping the cornea to focus light properly on the retina. However, LASIK doesn’t directly address the age-related changes in the lens that lead to presbyopia. That means, while LASIK can improve your distance vision, it won’t necessarily help with seeing things up close.
But there’s a catch. Some people with presbyopia opt for a LASIK procedure that slightly under-corrects one eye for close-up vision. This method is called blended or monovision LASIK. It works by adjusting one eye for distance and the other for near vision. While this can be effective for some people, it may take time to adjust. Not everyone can comfortably adapt to monovision, and it’s not always the best choice.
What are my options if I can’t see it close?
If you’re struggling with near vision, there are still options available. One common approach is to combine LASIK with reading glasses. After LASIK surgery, many people find they still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks, especially if they have presbyopia. This option allows you to enjoy clearer distance vision without completely abandoning the need for glasses.
Another option is to consider a procedure called conductive keratoplasty (CK). CK is a less common procedure that can correct presbyopia by reshaping the cornea to improve near vision. This treatment is typically used for those with mild presbyopia and may not be effective for everyone.
For individuals with presbyopia, your eye doctor may recommend a Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Custom Lens Replacement, which can correct both distance and near vision. With this procedure, your aging, presbyopic lens is replaced with a lens implant that works similar to a bifocal in glasses to give you focusing power at both distance and near.
Is Monovision LASIK Right for You?
Monovision LASIK is an alternative option if you have difficulty seeing close-ups but want the benefits of LASIK. This approach corrects one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. While it can work well for some people, it’s not suitable for everyone. The brain needs time to adjust to having one eye focused on near tasks and the other on distance tasks. Some individuals may experience difficulty with depth perception or find the adjustment period too challenging.
It’s also important to note that monovision LASIK doesn’t completely eliminate the need for reading glasses. If you have presbyopia, you may still need glasses for activities like reading in low-light settings.
How to Determine the Right Option for You
If you’re wondering whether LASIK is the right choice for you, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with an experienced eye doctor. Your doctor will assess your vision needs, discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options, and help you determine the best solution for your specific situation.
An eye exam will give your doctor valuable information about the health of your eyes and your current vision problems. They will take into account your distance vision, near vision, and whether you have presbyopia. Based on this, your doctor will explain what treatment options might work best for you.
It’s also important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of LASIK. For example, while LASIK can give you clearer distance vision, it may not be able to correct age-related near vision changes. You may still need reading glasses for activities like reading or working on your computer.
What Happens After LASIK?
After LASIK surgery, most people experience an improvement in their distance vision within a few days. However, your eyes may need time to fully heal, and you should follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions carefully. This will ensure that your recovery is smooth and that you get the best possible results from your procedure.
Even with LASIK, it’s still possible that you’ll need reading glasses as you get older. However, the surgery can greatly improve your quality of life by eliminating the need for glasses or contacts for distance vision tasks.
What Are the Alternatives to LASIK?
If LASIK doesn’t seem like the right option for you, there are alternatives that can address both near and distance vision issues. One of the most common is cataract surgery, which involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This can correct both near and distance vision problems, and many people find they no longer need glasses after this procedure.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is another option. This procedure is similar to cataract surgery and can be done to correct presbyopia and other vision issues.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision?
If you’re considering LASIK surgery but are unsure about whether it will help with near vision problems, schedule a consultation with an experienced eye doctor. They can help you decide if LASIK is right for you or if another treatment is a better fit.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!