The Debate - Reading Glasses Vs LASIK

One of the eyes' most important abilities is its focusingrecommended that patients continue to wear reading
power, allowing a person to view elements both nearglasses, especially when the patient is involved in
and far. But as a person becomes older and, hopefully,activities that crucially need clear vision, such as
wiser, the eye's ability to focus declines. That's apainting, driving and operating heavy equipment. That
condition called presbyopia, and it inevitably affectsmakes the idea of LASIK less appealing. Wouldn't it be
most people 40 and older. Perhaps presbyopia, alongmore sensible to simply use reading glasses, instead of
with graying hair, is what we exchange for wisdomundergoing surgery?
and maturity.Prohibitive health requirements
Dealing with presbyopia usually involves wearingDespite the appeal of laser eye surgery, some people
reading glasses. But today, there's an emergingsimply cannot undergo the procedure, the result of
technology that claims to permanently correct ahealth issues. For example, if the patient has diabetes,
person's blurry vision. This technology is called LASIKthe condition rules out the option of surgery for
or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. Is LASIK thecorrecting blurry vision. The fluctuating hormones of the
best solution for you and presbyopia?diabetic make the refracting ability of the eyes
Lasers aren't a solution for allunsteady.
LASIK is a surgical procedure. Of course, surgeriesTaking medications may also affect one's hormones.
present risks that people may not be willing to take.Thus, a person who regularly takes medications may
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),not consider Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis as
some of the risks of undergoing the procedure includean option.
losing a portion of your vision, experiencing troublingAside from health issues, a person's daily activities
visual symptoms such as double vision, halos, andmay preclude LASIK. Activities that include contact
glares, and developing severe dry eye syndrome.sports, such as wrestling and boxing, may have a
At the same time, the long-term effects and lastingdetrimental effect on eyes that have undergone
effectiveness of LASIK, a relatively new technology,surgery. It would be defeating to lose the benefits of
are still unknown. The first such surgery wasan expensive surgery to a quick right hook.
performed as recently as 1998. And there is still doubtAnd finally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
about how long the effectiveness of LASIK will last.should forego any plans of getting LASIK. The surgery
After all, the eye's ability to focus will continue tomay have harmful effects on her and on her baby.
decline with age. With the risk of partial blindness, visualFor minor vision problems, the best option is still to use
anomalies, and the probability of still suffering fromreading glasses. When compared to laser eye surgery,
blurry vision despite LASIK surgery, some people maythe risks are practically nonexistent. At the same time,
find it healthier and more practical to use great lookingframes can be selected to flatter the face and
or reading glasses.express your personality!
Some still need reading glasses post-opThe material provided in this article is for informational
Most people assume that this surgery can effectivelypurposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of
and permanently correct vision blurred by presbyopia.your eye care professional. Have your eyes examined
However, LASIK cannot accomplish these goals. Inregularly and always follow your eye care
fact, eye surgeons do not guarantee corrected visionprofessional's instructions. If you experience any pain,
after one operation. Sometimes, additional treatmentsdiscomfort, or visual distortion, consult your eye care
are needed. And even after surgery, it is stillprofessional immediately.