Ageing affects many aspects of our health, and vision is no exception. One of the most common age-related vision conditions is presbyopia, which impacts near vision and makes tasks like reading or using a smartphone difficult. While traditional presbyopia treatment options include reading glasses or contact lenses, advancements in vision correction have introduced laser eye surgery for presbyopia, with PresbyLASIK being one of the most promising solutions.
In this blog, we will explore what is PresbyLASIK, how it works, its benefits, and how it compares to other presbyopia correction methods.
About Presbyopia: Why Does Near Vision Decline?
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing that usually starts affecting people in their 40s or 50s. It occurs when the eye’s natural lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects.
Common symptoms of presbyopia include:
- Difficulty reading small print.
- Holding objects farther away to focus.
- Eye strain and headaches after reading or using screens.
- Need for brighter lighting for near-vision tasks.
Unlike myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia correction requires a unique approach since it is caused by age-related lens changes rather than a refractive error in the cornea.
What is PresbyLASIK?
PresbyLASIK is an advanced laser eye surgery for presbyopia designed to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses by reshaping the cornea to improve both near and distance vision.
This procedure works by creating a multi-focal corneal surface, similar to how multifocal contact lenses work, allowing the eyes to focus at different distances.
How PresbyLASIK Works?
Creating a Corneal Flap: The process begins with a femtosecond laser, which creates a thin, precise flap on the surface of the cornea. This flap allows the surgeon to access the deeper layers of the cornea without affecting the eye’s overall structure. The use of the femtosecond laser ensures that the flap is created with great accuracy, minimising risks.
Reshaping the Cornea: After the flap is made, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea into different zones. These zones are designed to address various focusing distances, creating a gradual transition between near, intermediate, and distance vision. This reshaping allows the eye to naturally adjust focus, similar to how a camera lens works.
Repositioning the Corneal Flap: Once the cornea has been reshaped, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned. Since the cornea is a living tissue, it begins to naturally heal, bonding back together to provide a stable structure for improved vision.
Vision Improvement: The result of PresbyLASIK is that the brain automatically selects the appropriate focus for near or distant objects. This is achieved by creating multi-focal zones, allowing the eye to adjust between different distances seamlessly. Unlike traditional LASIK, which only corrects for distance vision, PresbyLASIK addresses both near and far vision, reducing the need for reading glasses or bifocals.
PresbyLASIK enables the brain to automatically select the appropriate focus for near or distant objects, significantly improving vision without relying on corrective lenses for presbyopia.
Benefits of PresbyLASIK
1. Restores Near Vision
PresbyLASIK provides clear vision at multiple distances, reducing dependence on reading glasses or bifocals.
2. Long-Lasting Results
Unlike traditional presbyopia treatment, which requires ongoing adjustments (e.g., stronger reading glasses over time), PresbyLASIK offers stable, long-term improvement.
3. Quick Recovery
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, and full healing occurs within a few weeks.
4. Freedom from Corrective Lenses
For individuals who prefer a glasses-free lifestyle, PresbyLASIK is a game-changer.
5. Customized for Individual Needs
Advanced laser technology allows personalised treatment, ensuring optimal results based on your unique eye structure and vision requirements.
Who is a Candidate for PresbyLASIK?
While PresbyLASIK is a highly effective procedure, not everyone is an ideal candidate. The best candidates are:
✅ Over the age of 40 with presbyopia.
✅ Individuals with healthy eyes, free of conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
✅ Those with stable vision prescriptions.
✅ People looking for an alternative to corrective lenses for presbyopia.
If you have existing eye conditions or severe refractive errors, your doctor may recommend alternative presbyopia correction methods.
How Does PresbyLASIK Compare to Other Presbyopia Treatments?
1. Reading Glasses & Bifocals
- Traditional and affordable but inconvenient for an active lifestyle.
- May require frequent upgrades as vision deteriorates over time.
2. Multifocal Contact Lenses
- Provide good near and distance vision but may cause glare or halos.
- Some users struggle with adaptation.
3. Monovision LASIK
- One eye is corrected for distance vision, and the other for near vision.
- Works well but may cause depth perception issues.
4. Lens Replacement Surgery (Refractive Lens Exchange – RLE)
- Replaces the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- A great option for individuals with cataracts.
5. PresbyLASIK (Multi-Focal LASIK)
- Offers a more natural transition between near and distance vision.
- Reduces the risk of glare and halos seen with other multifocal options.
PresbyLASIK provides a balance between clear vision and comfort, making it an excellent alternative to traditional presbyopia treatment methods.
What to Expect During and After PresbyLASIK Surgery?
Before the Surgery
- A comprehensive eye examination determines your eligibility.
- Corneal mapping is conducted to customise the treatment plan.
- You’ll be advised to stop wearing contact lenses before surgery.
During the Procedure
- The surgery takes about 15–20 minutes per eye.
- Numbing eye drops to ensure a painless experience.
- The laser reshapes the cornea to create multifocal vision zones.
After the Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare
- Mild discomfort and dryness are common for a few days.
- Vision improves significantly within 48 hours.
- Most patients resume normal activities within a week.
- Use prescribed eye drops to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist ensure the best possible outcome.
Take the first step towards a life with a clear vision Schedule an appointment at Planet Lasik
Frequently Asked Questions
The results are long-lasting, but natural ageing may still cause minor changes in vision over time. Regular eye checkups are recommended.
Yes, PresbyLASIK eliminates the need for corrective lenses for presbyopia, providing a more convenient, long-term solution.
Some patients experience temporary glare or halos, but these usually resolve within a few weeks as the brain adapts to the new vision.
Individuals with severe dry eyes, glaucoma, or unstable vision prescriptions may not be suitable candidates. Alternative presbyopia correction options can be explored with an eye specialist.