Modern vision correction now offers treatments for a wide range of visual problems thanks to laser eye surgery. The purpose of laser eye surgery for reading is to aid patients with common age-related conditions that impair near vision.
In this article, laser eye surgery for reading will be discussed and contrasted with other laser eye treatments. By understanding these procedures, you can make an informed decision about improving your near vision.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery For Reading?
Laser eye surgery for reading, specifically PRESBYOND surgery, is a specialised treatment aimed at improving near vision for those affected by presbyopia. This advanced procedure uses state-of-the-art laser technology to address the specific needs of eye patients who have difficulty focusing on close objects.
Advantages Of PRESBYOND Surgery
PRESBYOND surgery offers several benefits for individuals with presbyopia:
Customised Treatment: The procedure is specifically designed to address near-vision problems associated with presbyopia.
Reduced Need For Reading Glasses: It significantly improves near vision, potentially eliminating the need for reading glasses.
Minimally Invasive: It is minimally invasive, with a quick recovery period.
Understanding Presbyopia And Its Impact
Presbyopia is a vision condition that typically affects individuals in their mid-40s. It occurs due to the natural ageing process when the eye’s crystalline lens becomes less flexible. This loss of flexibility impairs the eye’s ability to focus on close objects.
Symptoms Of Presbyopia
Common symptoms of presbyopia include:
Difficulty reading small print
The need to hold reading materials at a distance
Eye strain during close-up work
Blurred vision when focusing on nearby objects
PRESBYOND Vs. Other Laser Vision Correction Surgery Options
To understand the unique benefits of PRESBYOND refractive surgery, comparing it with other popular vision correction treatments is helpful. This section compares PRESBYOND laser eye treatment with other laser eye surgery procedures, such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, highlighting each procedure’s differences and specific advantages.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a prominent laser eye surgery used to fix refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It entails reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser beam.
Differences from PRESBYOND include:
Target Vision Problems: LASIK surgery is mainly used to correct distance vision, while PRESBYOND focuses on improving near vision for presbyopic patients.
Procedure: LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct distance vision, whereas PRESBYOND addresses specific changes needed for near vision correction.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Another type of laser eye surgery is PRK, which involves reshaping the cornea to address refractive problems. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require a corneal flap to be made. Instead, the cornea’s outer layer is removed so that the laser can modify the underlying tissue.
Differences from PRESBYOND involve:
Refractive Error Focus: PRK is used for distance vision problems, while PRESBYOND is tailored for presbyopia.
Recovery Time: PRK generally has a longer recovery time than PRESBYOND due to removing the corneal epithelium.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a minimally invasive laser surgery that forms a small incision in the cornea and removes a lenticule of tissue to correct refractive errors. It is known for its precision and minimal disruption to the corneal surface.
Differences from PRESBYOND include:
Procedure: SMILE uses a small incision primarily for distance vision correction.
Specialisation: PRESBYOND addresses near vision problems associated with presbyopia, while SMILE is more general.
What To Expect During PRESBYOND Surgery
Understanding the process of PRESBYOND surgery, including preparation, the procedure itself, and post-surgery care, is crucial for ensuring a smooth experience and achieving the best possible outcomes.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Pre-surgery preparation is vital in ensuring your PRESBYOND surgery’s success. It involves several key activities:
Eye Examination: A thorough assessment checks your eye health and determines your suitability for the surgery.
Pre-Operative Instructions: Your specialist will advise avoiding medications and contact lenses and arranging transport after the surgery.
Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on your exam results, a tailored plan is developed to ensure optimal results.
Immediate Aftercare: Mild discomfort may occur but usually subsides within hours.
Eye Drops: Prescribed drops aid healing and prevent infection.
Eye Strain: Avoid reading and screen time during initial recovery.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular appointments ensure healing and progress.
Protecting Your Eyes: Wear protective eyewear and avoid bright sunlight.
Expected Results
Patients should notice improved near vision soon after surgery, with full benefits appearing as vision stabilises over the following weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRESBYOND laser eye surgery correct everyone’s vision?
PRESBYOND surgery is suitable for many individuals with presbyopia, but not everyone. Your laser eye surgeon will evaluate your eye health and vision needs to determine if this procedure suits you.
Visual Disturbances: Glare, halos, or blurred vision, which usually resolves over time.
Under-Correction Or Over-Correction: Some patients may need additional treatments for fine-tuning.
How much does PRESBYOND surgery cost?
PRESBYOND surgery costs vary depending on the clinic and your specific needs. It is advisable to discuss costs and payment options with your eye specialist during your consultation.
Embracing A Life Without Reading Glasses
Laser eye surgery for reading, particularly PRESBYOND surgery, provides a valuable solution for those struggling with presbyopia and needing reading glasses. By understanding the procedure, comparing it with other laser eye surgeries, and knowing what to expect, you can make a good decision about sharpening your near vision.
This is your time to explore how PRESBYOND surgery can help you regain the freedom to enjoy reading and other close-up tasks without the constant need for reading glasses.
If you’re struggling with presbyopia and tired of relying on reading glasses and contact lenses, PRESBYOND surgery in Melbourne could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Dr Edward Roufail is here to guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to post-surgery care.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Becker H I MD 2021. Are Presbyopia and Farsightedness the Same Condition? GoodRx. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/presbyopia/is-presbyopia-the-same-as-farsightedness [Accessed September 18, 2024]
Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed September 18, 2024]
Dunkin M A 2023. A Guide to Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/overview-refractive-laser-eye-surgery [Accessed September 18, 2024]
Fu D, Xu Y, Han T, Xia F, Zhou X-T & Aruma A 2022. Refractive outcomes and optical quality of PRESBYOND laser-blended vision for presbyopia correction. International Journal of Ophthalmology 15, 1671–1675. 10.18240/ijo.2022.10.16
Hernández-Lucena J, Alonso-Aliste F, Amián-Cordero J & Sánchez-González J-M 2024. Outcomes of Corneal Compound Myopic Astigmatism with Presbyopia by Zeiss PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision LASIK Using Default CRS-Master® Target Refractions for Reduced Anisometropia. Journal of Clinical Medicine 13, 3011. 10.3390/jcm13103011
