Reading Glasses: Embracing Vision Changes After LASIK or PRK
LASIK or PRK can be incredibly life-changing for our patients, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses for many. However, some individuals may still need reading glasses and we pride ourselves on setting proper expectations. Hereโs why and what you can expect.
Why You Still Might Need Reading Glasses
Age-Related Vision Changes
One of the most common reasons for needing reading glasses after LASIK or PRK is presbyopia. This age-related condition affects nearly everyone starting in their mid-40s or 50s. It occurs because the lens inside the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on close objects. LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct vision issues but do not affect the internal lens, so presbyopia still requires reading glasses.
Surgery Focuses on Distance Vision
Most people opt for LASIK or PRK to improve their distance vision. While these procedures are very effective at correcting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, they do not prevent the natural aging process of the eye. Therefore, even after successful surgery, you may still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks as you age.
Monovision Correction
Monovision is a technique used in cataract and refractive surgery where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is corrected for near vision. The success rate of monovision varies between 50-70%, according to Cataract and Refractive Surgery Todayย . This approach can help reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses for different distances, but it may also introduce challenges such as difficulty with depth perception, a possible decrease in overall visual sharpness, and a period of adaptation where the brain adjusts to the different visual inputs from each eye.
The success and adaptation rates can depend on several factors, including the patient’s visual needs, the degree of correction required, and individual adaptability to the new visual setup. Some patients may quickly adapt and find monovision to be an effective solution, while others may struggle with the visual disparity and opt for alternative methods of vision correction.
During your consultation at Dishler Laser Institute, we can present your monovision options if they apply to your specific case. We can trial frame lenses in our office to show you how your eyes would adapt to monovision. If it is successful in our office, we can recommend specific contact lenses to simulate monovision with your day-to-day demands before committing to this type of vision correction.
Residual Refractive Errors
In some cases, there may be slight residual refractive errors after surgery. Although modern LASIK and PRK techniques are highly precise, achieving perfect vision correction in all circumstances is not always possible. These minor residual errors can necessitate reading glasses, especially for tasks requiring sharp near vision.
Natural Changes Over Time
Vision can change over time, even after corrective surgery. As you age, other eye conditions such as cataracts or further changes in the lens can affect your near vision, leading to a need for reading glasses. It’s a part of the natural aging process that even LASIK and PRK cannot stop.
Adapting to Reading Glasses
Finding the Right Pair
After surgery, if you find you need reading glasses, the first step is to get the right pair. Over-the-counter readers are available in various strengths. Your eye doctor can help determine the appropriate magnification for your needs.
Embracing the Change
Wearing readers after LASIK or PRK can feel like a step back, but itโs important to remember the overall improvement in your vision. Embrace the convenience of only needing glasses for close-up work rather than all the time.
Conclusion
Needing reading glasses after LASIK or PRK is primarily due to presbyopia and the natural aging process of the eye. While these surgeries can provide significant improvements in distance vision, they do not stop the eyes from aging. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations and ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of your vision correction. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our office!