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What types of surgery are used to correct Presbyopia?
Refractive eye surgery for presbyopia involves improving near vision in the non-dominant eye.
The most common Presbyopia Surgery procedures are:
- Monovision LASIK: Surgeons create “monovision” by using LASIK surgery to leave one eye with good vision for seeing in the distance and one eye for seeing clearly close up. LASIK surgery uses a laser to remove layers of the cornea through a flap in the eye.
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Cannot provide both near and distance vision in the same eye but it can create one eye with good distance vision and one eye for good near vision.
- Multifocal LASIK: This investigational procedure is not yet FDA-approved but it is a procedure to create different zones on the front of the cornea which correct the vision at different distances.
- Conductive keratoplasty (CK): Uses radio frequency to shrink the collagen fibers in the eye to steepen the sides of the cornea. The procedure results in improved vision close up. CK is performed on one eye only to correct presbyopia.
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE): Removes the natural lens in the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. This procedure is used for cataract surgery but it may be available to correct presbyopia.
How often is surgery used to treat presbyopia?
Surgery has not traditionally been used to treat presbyopia but is becoming an increasingly popular option for people who want to see without glasses or lenses.
Duration of procedure/surgery:- CK takes a few minutes to carry out.
- PRK surgery takes around 10 minutes.
- Monovision LASIK takes under an hour to complete.
- Corneal implants take between 1 and 2 hours to comple
Days admitted:None. Presbyopia surgery takes place in a doctor’s office or clinic on an outpatient basis.
Anesthesia:Presbyopia surgery takes place under local anesthesia and a sedative if needed.
Recovery:Vision clears fully after one or two months following presbyopia surgery, depending on the type of procedure, although you will be able to see immediately after the surgery.
Patients generally return to work the day after presbyopia surgery.
Recovery for corneal implants is longer – up to 2 or 3 weeks.
Risks:Presbyopia surgery is relatively straightforward though some risks remain.
Risks depend on the type of procedure chosen.
After care:- Take prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for a few weeks after presbyopia surgery.
- Protect the eye outside with dark shields or glasses.
- Some patients wear eye patches at night.
- Don’t apply eye make up or go swimming for the first two weeks following presbyopia surgery.
- Avoid exercise for one week.
- Avoid rubbing your eye after presbyopia surgery.
Learn more about Presbyopia