Can You Get Laser Surgery for Presbyopia: What to Know

We all lose visual acuity as we age. Even if you’ve had perfect vision and consciously taken care of your eyes, you can still experience Presbyopia’s effects.

With Presbyopia, the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. As a result, many people need to wear glasses or contact lenses to help them see clearly, especially when trying to see things up close. People with no other vision problems can develop Presbyopia, as can people with other vision issues, like astigmatism, myopia, and more.

How Do You Know If You Have Presbyopia? 

Besides having difficulty seeing things up close, people with this condition can also experience headaches and eye pains while reading. Individuals can also experience fatigue when focusing for longer because of the increased effort required. Another symptom is relying on brighter light while doing close-up work, even if no eye strain or fatigue is involved.

How is Presbyopia Usually Treated?

Most people use eyewear designed to help people with vision problems see things more clearly at close-range. They usually have lenses with a stronger prescription than regular glasses, which helps the wearer focus on objects close to them, such as books and newspapers.

The problem with reading glasses is they don’t help with seeing far ahead. Worse, they can cause headaches and dizziness to the wearer if they are used in any way other than reading. Because of this, people will often wear reading glasses on a chain around their necks or stash them in case they will have to carry them around. Either way, removing and replacing glasses multiple times just to read a recipe or article in the paper can be a hassle.

This is usually where people start considering laser eye surgery.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, uses lasers to change the cornea’s shape. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes per eye.

Pros and Cons of Laser Eye Surgery 

Laser eye surgery’s most obvious benefit is its improved vision. After a successful procedure, many people no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses. You won’t have to worry about putting on and taking off glasses or the discomfort of contact lenses.

Like any medical procedure, laser eye surgery carries some risks. The most common risks include dry eyes, glare, halos, and double vision. It’s important to discuss the risks with your doctor before deciding whether the procedure is right for you.

Conclusion

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s essential to research and talk to your doctor. It is usually safe and effective in improving your vision. Still, it’s essential to understand the risks involved. With the correct information, you can make an informed decision on whether the procedure is right for you.

Blurry vision? Glasses getting in the way? Valley Laser Eye Centre is here to help. Our Abbotsford laser eye centre is well-equipped to treat extreme Myopia, do cataract surgery, and more. Contact us today to get started. 

This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

A close-up of a woman's eye

Refractive Lens Exchange vs Cataract Surgery: What’s the Difference?

If you have been researching ways to improve your vision, you may have come across both Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery. At first glance, these two procedures can seem almost identical, and in many ways, they are. Both involve removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens to improve vision.

So what makes them different?

The main difference is why the lens is being removed.

In cataract surgery, the natural lens has become cloudy and is interfering with vision. In Refractive Lens Exchange, the natural lens is still clear, but it is no longer providing the quality of vision you want, often because of age-related reading changes, farsightedness, or a desire to reduce dependence on glasses.

driving at night

Can Cataracts Cause Night Glare, Halos, And Trouble Driving?

If headlights seem too bright, streetlights look surrounded by rings, or driving at night feels more stressful than it used to, cataracts may be part of the reason.

Many people think cataracts only cause blurry vision. In reality, they often affect quality of vision even before eyesight seems severely reduced on a chart. One of the most common early complaints is difficulty seeing clearly in low light, especially while driving at night. Glare, halos, poor contrast, and a general loss of sharpness can all make evening driving feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.

a woman getting eye surgery

Can You Have Cataract Surgery If You’ve Had Previous Vision Correction?

The short answer is yes. In many cases, you can still have cataract surgery if you have had previous vision correction such as LASIK, PRK, or other refractive procedures. The more important question is not whether cataract surgery is possible, but how carefully it is planned. Previous vision correction changes the optics of the eye, which means cataract surgery after LASIK or PRK often requires more advanced measurements, thoughtful lens selection, and a surgeon who understands how earlier procedures can affect the final result. 

If you are noticing blurred vision years after laser vision correction, you are not alone. Many patients who once enjoyed excellent distance vision later develop cataracts simply because the natural lens ages over time. A previous refractive procedure does not disqualify you from cataract surgery. It does mean your surgical plan should be individualized. At Valley Laser Eye Centre, that conversation may involve your history ofLASIK,PRK, or other correction, along with your current symptoms, lifestyle goals, and lens options such as those discussed on theCataract Surgery andRefractive Lens Exchange pages.