Monovision LASIK surgery is a revolutionary treatment that can permanently improve the vision of patients with less-than-perfect eyesight. The treatment’s results have contributed to its growing popularity over the past few decades. As with any significant medical procedure, those interested in LASIK should learn as much as they can about the process prior to engaging. This knowledge will boost both the surgery’s results and the general level of comfort experienced during treatment. If you are considering LASIK surgery, take a look at this overview of things to know before monovision LASIK surgery.
What is Monovision LASIK?
Monovision LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery. Contrary to standard LASIK surgery, a Monovision LASIK procedure corrects one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. In a standard LASIK surgery, both eyes are corrected to see into the distance.
A Monovision LASIK procedure allows the eyes to work in tandem and provides clear vision at any distance. Individuals interested in receiving this type of procedure should consult with their physician to determine whether they would be a good candidate for the surgery.
What Occurs During Monovision LASIK?
During a Monovision LASIK procedure, your eye doctor will check your prescription and determine which of your eyes is dominant. When this is resolved, your doctor will make a plan for how to approach your monovision treatment. Typically, the dominant eye is corrected for long-distance vision, while the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision. These results are achieved by reshaping the cornea.
There are many different conditions that monovision surgery can correct, including the following conditions:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Presbyopia
Beyond treating these specific vision conditions, patients report additional benefits of their monovision treatment. Those most frequently reported include:
- Improved quality of life
- Increased confidence when engaging in daily activities
- Reduced dependence on contact lenses and glasses
- A more active lifestyle
Risks of Monovision LASIK
Most physicians report that LASIK surgery is a safe and relatively risk-free procedure. That said, there are some mild side effects and risks of Monovision LASIK, most of which have to do with effects on the patient’s vision. The most common risks to be aware of are:
- Glares
- Halos
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Overcorrection or under-correction of sight
You and your physician can discuss whether you are especially vulnerable to any side effects of the procedure. Such a discussion can allow you to prepare more adequately for these possible risks.
Am I a Good Candidate for Monovision LASIK?
Before you are approved for Monovision LASIK surgery, your doctor will likely supply you with monovision contact lenses. Using these lenses will help you to determine whether or not your eyes will take to a monovision treatment. Some indicators that you are an ideal candidate for monovision are:
- You already wear contact lenses or eyeglasses.
- You are over the age of 40.
- You are in good health overall.
- You are not pregnant or nursing.
- You suffer from presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision.
Even if you do not have any of the conditions above but do suffer from hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness), you can still benefit from either Monovision LASIK or traditional LASIK surgery.
The Differences Between Monivison LASIK and Traditional LASIK
Though they can be used to treat some of the same conditions, Monovision LASIK and traditional LASIK are unique procedures. The most apparent difference between the two is that Monovision LASIK adjusts one eye for near vision and the other for distance. In contrast, Traditional LASIK adjusts both eyes for distance vision.
Another prominent difference between the two is that traditional LASIK delivers permanent results, while Monovision LASIK may require adjustments and re-treatments over time. Further, Monovision LASIK is primarily used to treat individuals over 40, while standard LASIK caters to a broader age range.
You will be able to discuss with your physician which type of LASIK would be most beneficial for you and have the elements of your chosen surgery outlined.
Orange County’s Best Resource for LASIK
Dr. Ghosheh and the rest of the Advanced Eye Medical team are some of the best in Southern California for administering LASIK treatment. If you are interested in this treatment, contact our office today to set up an appointment with our Orange County laser eye surgeon.