| LASIK
versus Reading Glasses
Presbyopia,
a condition in which the elasticity of the eye
decreases and the eye’s ability to quickly
adjust focus diminishes, is inevitable and incurable.
It’s one of the conditions America’s
aging population has to manage as it acquires
wisdom and wealth.
It
seemed that the only way to cope with presbyopia
was to wear reading glasses…until LASIK
technology was invented. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted
In-Situ-Keratomileusis. It’s a surgical
procedure that makes permanent changes in the
cornea’s shape. The purpose of the procedure
is to correct, once and for all, blurred vision
without the use of reading glasses.
LASIK
not for everyone
LASIK, on the surface, may appear to be the
best solution for people who are suffering from
presbyopia, but this surgery is not for everyone.
In fact, LASIK is not for people who do not
want to take extreme risks with their eyes.
According to the FDA, some of the known risks
of LASIK include the development of severe dry
eye syndrome, the occurrence of visual anomalies
such as haloes, glares, and double vision, and
even the complete loss of vision. There is also
inadequate information about the long-term effects
of LASIK surgery.
Thus,
for people who don’t want to place their
eyes at such risks, they will be better off
with reading glasses or designer reading glasses.
You
may still need reading glasses with LASIK
Unknown to many patients, LASIK cannot necessarily
correct nearsighted vision. In fact, according
to the FDA’s warnings, patients may still
need to wear glasses or contact lenses after
the surgery to fully correct their eyes for
near distances, or when “performing visually
demanding tasks,” including nighttime
driving, operating heavy equipment, or any task
requiring sharp, close vision.
Even
after undergoing LASIK, some patients still
have to wear reading glasses for close-up vision.
This must make you question, are the risks of
LASIK worth the mediocre results?
Health
issues that prevent LASIK treatment
There are certain health issues and conditions
that preclude LASIK as one of the options for
correcting vision. For example, people with
diabetes have fluctuating hormones that make
their eyes’ refracting ability unstable,
and therefore, are not ideal candidates for
LASIK. People who take medications that can
affect hormones and eyes must also avoid LASIK.
People who are involved in contact sports, such
as boxing, wrestling, and wushu, should forget
LASIK. You don’t really want the results
of expensive LASIK surgery be knocked out by
a right hook.
Women
who are pregnant and breastfeeding must also
stay clear of LASIK surgery. If you have vision
problems, especially minor ones, it is best
to get reading glasses instead. It is funkier
and more fun to wear reading glasses, and you
can adjust the style based on your mood or even
outfit. The lenses can correct your vision problems,
while the frames can make your face more attractive!
The material provided on this site is for informational
purposes only. It is not meant to replace the
advice of your eye care professional. Have your
eyes examined regularly and always follow your
eye care professional's instructions. If you
experience any pain, discomfort, or visual distortion,
consult your eye care professional immediately.
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