LASIK Eye Surgery and Monovision

LASIK eye surgery is a revolutionary process that is helping people regain their sight, one eye at a time. Because people are different, not everyone requires the same treatment level or procedure when undergoing LASIK surgery. This is why it is important to have a consultation and undergo various testing procedures to determine your individual needs. A good ophthalmologist will then conduct a course of treatment that is designed specifically for your needs.

Many different conditions can qualify a patient for LASIK eye surgery. These include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Myopia and hyperopia refer to farsightedness and nearsightedness, respectively. Astigmatism is when objects are blurred at far away distances, and Presbyopia occurs with age. It usually appears between the ages 40 and 50, and may result in the need for wearing reading glasses. The condition of presbyopia involves both farsightedness and nearsightedness. People who may previously have suffered with seeing distances now find that they need reading glasses and have trouble focusing on objects up close. Prescribing corrective lenses that have adjustments for both far and near vision usually treats presbyopia.

If you are concerned about presbyopia, then you may want to consult with your ophthalmologist and determine if LASIK surgery is right for you. There is a process called "Monovision," where one eye is treated for distance vision and the other eye is treated for nearsightedness that may be included in your LASIK eye surgery for the best results.

Whenever someone considers LASIK surgery, he or she will undergo a free consultation with his or her ophthalmologist. It is during this consultation that you should discuss any concerns that you have, as well as determine which surgery would be best for your needs. Monovision with your surgery should be thoroughly discussed as well. For some people, not including Monovision can result in an actual decrease of the ability to see objects up close.

As with any surgery, you should prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask the doctor during your consultation. You should ask about the risks and benefits to all of the procedures and ask about statistic rates. Because LASIK surgery is not covered by most insurance plans, you should also inquire about the cost of the procedure and if you include Monovision, how much the total cost will be. Many practitioners will offer you an affordable payment plan before you begin your surgery that will enable you to pay for the procedure.