Can Laser Surgery Correct Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age related condition making it difficult to read fine print without reading glasses. Although laser refractor surgery does not prevent presbyopia, an ophthalmologist or optometrist can correct one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision to produce monovision for which contact lenses are often used to create. Pre-testing using contacts to simulate monovision correction may help patients assess how well their brains adjust to the discrepancy between eye corrections, facilitating seamless switching between clear close up vision and distant vision. The larger the difference between corrections, the more depth perception may diminish. If so, mini-monovision with correction of one eye for distance and one for intermediate vision may be best. Recently approved by the FDA, variable focus lenses used to replace the natural lenses of middle-aged and older adults with cataracts provide another option overcoming presbyopia. Some signs and symptoms of presbyopia include eyestrain, headaches or feeling tired from doing close up work. Another sign is the need to hold reading materials at arm's length to focus properly.