Monovision LASIK for Near Vision

Presbyopia is a condition whereby the crystalline lens inside your eye that is typically soft and flexible begins to lose that flexibility and thus limits your ability to change focus from far to near and near to far. Patients with presbyopia typically report that their “arms are too short” and that near objects and reading material are becoming fuzzy or blurry.

LASIK is usually used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and provide clear vision for seeing at a distance. Monovision LASIK is a technique that may be helpful in correcting near vision for some people. With monovision LASIK, Dr. Michelson corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near. Thus, the need for glasses with two different focal lengths is resolved by focusing each eye at a different focal length. Monovision LASIK can be effective for some patients with the need for mild near vision correction. Depending on the amount or length of time you need to close work each day monovision LASIK may be a good alternative.

To find out more about monovision LASIK and near vision correction please feel free to schedule an evaluation, examination and consultation at Michelson Laser Vision-205.969.8100.

LASIK and Monovision

Presbyopia is truly the defining point of becoming middle-aged. Occurring generally by the mid-forties, the eyes slowly looses their focusing power for near objects ushering the dreaded need for reading glasses. Small type print becomes almost impossible to discern without the use of readers or magnifiers. Suddenly, hundreds of pairs of reading glasses spring up in every nook and cranny because you never remember where you left your last pair. LASIK may offer a solution to remedy this problem, not only correct your distance vision, but also to eliminate dependence on reading glasses. You may ask, “Can LASIK also help my near or close up vision?” The answer may be yes, but it will depend on a variety of factors that can only be determined by a thorough evaluation. One solution may be monovision.

Monovision, or blended vision, may be the key to allow patients to see near or tiny print without the need for reading glasses. Monovision is really blended vision where one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for distance, and the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision. Not everyone will be able to tolerate monovision because the brain may not adapt to each eye focusing at two separate focal points. However, many people function perfectly fine with monovision and do not require glasses for near or distance vision. Therefore, it is important to simulate monovision with contact lenses prior to LASIK to determine if this option will meet your vision needs.

If you are presbyopic and tired of wearing bifocals, consider the option of monovision to alleviate your need for eyeglasses and contacts completely. Dr. Michelson, Alabama’s leading LASIK expert, and the physicians and staff at Michelson Laser Vision, Inc., are trained to help you reach your visual goals. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 205-969-8100.