To treat presbyopia, you and your eye doctor may decide to leave one eye slightly nearsighted while correcting your other eye for distance vision. This procedure is called Monovision LASIK. With both eyes open, you’ll experience clear and comfortable vision both near and far.
People with presbyopia often notice they need more light to read, and have to hold reading material at arm’s length to focus.
During the consultation, we will ask you about your eye health history and your medications, and perform some tests. You will then be examined by the doctor who will discuss your treatment options. We will take the time to explain the procedure. This visit usually takes about an hour and your personal Patient Counselor will help you throughout the process.
Your Counselor can review payment options and schedule you for surgery and related appointments, such as post-operative exams. You will have a set of instructions to follow to prepare for your surgery date that includes steps like taking prescribed eye drops and setting up a ride for your procedure day.
Plan to be at the center for two to three hours the day of your procedure. This allows for pre-procedure preparations including taking some medication in advance of your procedure. Monovision LASIK eye surgery is performed identically to LASIK, except that the visual target is mildly nearsighted in the non-dominant eye. The procedure is virtually painless and takes about 15-20 minutes in total. After numbing your eye, your surgeon creates a thin protective corneal flap, then reshapes the inner corneal layers with a computer controlled excimer laser. The corneal flap is then replaced to start the natural healing process. The day of your procedure should be a day of rest.
Your Patient Counselor will give you detailed post-operative instructions and eye drop regimen for your recovery. Most of our patients are able to go back to work the next day and drive from their one-day post-op visit. You will be ready to resume other activities, like wearing eye makeup, according to the timetable provided.
Common Questions About Monovision LASIK
Will the treatment for presbyopia affect my distance vision?
The majority of patients who are treated for presbyopia find that their distance vision remains or is minimally affected.
Is monovision right for me?
If you’ve been diagnosed with presbyopia, corneal inlays and monovision LASIK are both options. Most people who try monovision adapt to it well. Your NVISION surgeon will work with you to determine which solution is best for your needs based on your eye exam and visual goals.
Does the treatment for presbyopia have a similar effect as monovision contacts?
Laser vision correction for presbyopia is similar to using monovision contacts, a practice in which the contacts are fit with one eye for distance vision and one eye for close-up vision.