Say Goodbye to Reading Glasses: Advanced Treatment Options at Focus Vision Clinic
Are you over 40 and struggling to read small print without reaching for your reading glasses? Are you asking yourself, “How can I get rid of reading glasses” or “can laser eye surgery get rid of reading glasses”? You’re not alone. This common condition, known as presbyopia, affects millions worldwide. Presbyopia occurs when the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. While reading glasses offer a quick fix, many find them inconvenient and seek a permanent solution to restore near vision.
At Focus Vision, we offer advanced treatments to help you achieve clear vision at all distances without glasses. In this post, we’ll explore three cutting-edge technologies to eliminate your reliance on reading glasses: LASIK with monovision (or blended vision) and LASIK with 'READ' technology on the Alcon WaveLight machine, the Allotex corneal inlay, and refractive lens exchange with premium intraocular lenses.
LASIK with Monovision or Blended Vision
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a well-known refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For presbyopia treatment, LASIK can be adapted with a technique called monovision or blended vision LASIK.
In monovision LASIK, one eye is corrected for distance vision, while the other is slightly nearsighted for near vision. This allows you to read without glasses while maintaining good distance vision in the other eye. While effective, it may take time for your brain to adjust, and some patients notice reduced depth perception.
To ensure comfort, we recommend trying monovision with contact lenses first. If it suits you, LASIK for presbyopia can provide a lasting solution, freeing you from reading glasses alternatives.
LASIK with 'READ' Technology on the Alcon WaveLight EX500 laser
For a more seamless approach, LASIK with 'READ' technology on the Alcon WaveLight machine offers an innovative extended depth of focus solution. Unlike traditional LASIK, this advanced technique enhances your vision range, allowing clear focus at near, intermediate, and far distances without dedicating one eye to near vision.
The 'READ' technology uses a specialized laser profile to reshape the cornea, providing a continuous range of focus. It’s ideal for patients seeking a presbyopia correction that avoids the adaptation period of monovision. Early results show patients enjoy improved near vision and less dependence on reading glasses, thanks to this state-of-the-art laser technology. This is similar to the Zeiss Presbyond technology.
Allotex Corneal Inlay for Reading Vision
If you prefer a non-laser option, the Allotex corneal inlay is a groundbreaking choice. This small, biocompatible device is implanted into the cornea of your non-dominant eye to boost near vision. Made from allogenic (donor) corneal tissue, the Allotex inlay integrates naturally with your eye, altering light entry to sharpen focus on close objects.
The procedure is minimally invasive with a quick recovery, and the inlay can be removed if needed, making it a reversible presbyopia treatment. Since it affects only one eye, your distance vision remains intact in the dominant eye, offering a practical corneal inlay for presbyopia solution. This is particularly useful for patients who only need reading glasses.
Refractive Lens Exchange with Premium Intraocular Lenses
For those unsuitable for corneal procedures or showing early cataract signs, refractive lens exchange (RLE) with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a powerful option. RLE replaces your natural lens with an artificial one to correct presbyopia and other vision issues. If cataracts are present, cataract surgery with a premium IOL achieves the same result.
Premium IOLs include:
Multifocal IOLs including the Rayner Galaxy IOL: These provide multiple focal points, enabling clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, often eliminating the need for reading glasses.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: These offer a smooth range of vision, excelling at intermediate and distance tasks with enhanced near vision.
RLE mirrors cataract surgery—one of the safest, most common procedures globally. For patients over 50, it’s a long-term presbyopia correction, preventing future cataracts.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Whether it’s LASIK for presbyopia, the Allotex corneal inlay, or refractive lens exchange with multifocal or EDOF IOLs, each technology offers unique benefits to ditch reading glasses. Your ideal choice depends on your lifestyle, eye health, and vision goals.
So yes, laser can remove the need for reading glasses, and combined with other technology the results can be fantastic. There are numerous ways that eye surgery for reading glasses can be effective and long-lasting.
At Focus Vision our experienced surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to deliver top outcomes. During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough eye exam and discuss your needs to find the best presbyopia treatment for you. Take the first step toward clear vision—contact us today to schedule your appointment!