Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

LASIK laser vision correction is the most popular elective surgery in the world and has transformed the vision of millions of patients over the years. However, many people are surprised to learn that there are slightly different varieties of the technique available depending on your needs. One of these is monovision LASIK. Here’s what you need to know about how monovision LASIK differs from the traditional procedure and how to determine which is right for you.
 

What is Regular LASIK?

Regular LASIK is a fairly simple but technical surgical procedure during which an advanced laser is used to alter the shape of the clear, domed part of the eye called the cornea. Altering the shape of the cornea enables light to pass through the eyes properly, which can permanently correct the vision of people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or who have a condition called astigmatism. All of these conditions are caused by abnormalities in the way that light is refracted by the cornea.
 

What is Monovision LASIK?

Monovision is the term used to describe a special LASIK technique in which the laser is used to set the dominant eye for clear distance vision and the other for clear nearby vision. This might sound unusual, but it is actually a very effective way of enabling you to see perfectly at both distances. This is because when your eyes are open, your brain will blend the two distances together to create clear images whether you are looking at nearby objects or those that are further away!

Unsurprisingly, it can take several weeks to get completely used to having monovision, and during this time you may feel that you need to still wear glasses for some tasks. However, most patients adjust relatively quickly, finding that they no longer need to rely on prescription eyewear day-to-day.

Is Monovision Laser Vision Correction Right For Me?

Monovision is usually recommended for people over the age of 40 who are affected by presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the natural lens of the eye gradually becomes less flexible than before, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This means that you are more likely to need prescription lenses for activities such as reading and watching television.

Presbyopia is an unavoidable part of the aging process, usually beginning around the age of 40 and continuing to get worse until approximately age 65. Symptoms include:

  • Needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length
  • Blurred vision at normal reading distance
  • Headaches/fatigue from doing close-up work

The trouble with presbyopia is that it can happen even after having regular LASIK, meaning that patients will either need to have a further monovision LASIK procedure or start to wear glasses to correct their vision.

Before you can be approved for any sort of laser vision correction procedure, you will first need to have a consultation appointment with the team at Manhattan LASIK Center to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will check the health and condition of your eyes and the extent of your vision problems. They will also be able to advise you if regular LASIK is the best laser vision correction technique for you, or if you would benefit from monovision LASIK instead.

For more information on monovision or regular LASIK, or to schedule your FREE consultation, please contact our experienced and skilled laser vision specialists today at Manhattan LASIK Center in Manhattan, New York by calling (212) 759-9617.