Question
Dear Dr. Shroff,
Is it still true that Lasik cannot correct BOTH far- and nearsightedness? I'm 56 and have been wearing glasses for about 10 yrs, more for reading than distance. But my distance is losing it as well. I understand Lasik cannot correct both conditions and I've never cared for contacts.
Let me thank you in advance. I know you must be extremely busy. Very generous to share your time.
Regards,
Ed
Answer
Dear Ed,
No. LASIK generally corrects only the distant numbers and cannot help the reading numbers.
Reading numbers are due to ageing of the eyes and as one cannot stop an ageing process, one therefore cannot stop the effects that it can have on the eyes.
There are however two scenarios where LASIK can still be considered.
Onne: Is to do monovision, whener one can check with their contact lens specialist and ask for a trial. Here one eye is corrected for far vision and one for enar. Hence visin may not be very crisp for both focuses, for first few weeks when one needs to 'get used' to this, but is functional vision
Option two: is hen one has Hypermetropia, or plus numbers for far and also has plus numbers for near. Then LASIK can help read for both ditances.
However, you must bear in mind that ageing may happen at the lens level as well, and if you develop cataract, then the lens exchange will need to be done and life of LASIK is then enjoyed until this process.
Again, today there are many options for lenses which help both near and far focusses, such as multifocal implants or accomodative lenses.
These lenses are then a permanent treatment and may help you better than LASIK as it will treat not just your spectacle correction but also you will not get cataract in future.
The best way forward would be to first read more and learn more about these options and then visit a good eye centre.
Lots of detailed information is available on www.shroffeye.org and wwwlasikindia.in
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
dranand@lasikindia.in
