Are you considering LASIK to correct your vision and want to make sure you won’t need reading glasses? You may have heard of the term “monovision” to describe one eye that sees better at distance and the other eye sees more clearly at near. With both eyes open, the brain puts the clear images together and makes it possible to see both distance and near without the need for glasses, readers, or bifocals. A more appropriate term is “blended vision” since the brain will blend both distance and near to allow for clarity at both. In traditional monovision, the large difference between the eyes can be difficult to adapt to. With blended vision, there is a smaller difference between the eyes, allowing the brain to blend the vision between the eyes which preserves good depth perception. In this article, we will answer the eight most frequently asked questions about blended vision LASIK to help you make an informed decision. From understanding the procedure to knowing what to expect during the recovery, we’ve got you covered. Schedule an appointment with Waite Vision today for a comprehensive consultation and see if LASIK is right for you.
#1 What is LASIK Blended Vision?
LASIK blended vision is a common vision correction technique where one eye is optimized for distance vision and the other for close-up vision. This approach helps those with presbyopia (around age 45 years old and older) focus on objects both near and far. LASIK creates this balance, allowing individuals to perform everyday tasks like reading and writing without compromising their distance vision. Blended vision, commonly called monovision but distinct and better, can be achieved through various methods, including temporary solutions like contact lenses or permanent surgical options like LASIK or lens replacement. Around the late 40’s in age and older the eye’s ability to focus on close objects diminishes. This is called presbyopia. This is due to the loss of flexibility of the len in the eye. Blended vision LASIK is a common treatment in the U.S. to free people from needing readers or bifocals.
#2 Who is a good candidate for LASIK Blended Vision?
A good candidate for LASIK blended vision is typically someone over 45 years old who uses bifocals or readers to see near. Before LASIK, patients undergo preoperative testing, including ocular dominance testing and “cross blur” tolerance to determine which eye should be corrected for distance. This thorough evaluation ensures that LASIK is a suitable and effective solution for their vision needs. We are firmly dedicated to ensuring that blended vision is the right fit for those in need through comprehensive testing and personalized care.
#3 What is the success rate of Blended Vision?
The success rate of LASIK blended vision is high. About 95% of patients adapt well to blended vision. LASIK is remakrable in its precision. Our bodies are variable in healing after LASIK. Sometimes it can be helpful to perform a touch-up procedure to optimize the focus. The need for a touch-up happens about 5% of the time with LASIK in general and about 7% of the time in LASIK blended vision. The need for a very precise refractive outcome is more acute with blended vision leading to more common touch ups.
#4 How much does LASIK typically cost?
LASIK typically costs between $2,500 and $3,000 per eye, depending on factors like the surgeon’s experience, technology used, and location of the surgery. Prices for both eyes range from $5,000 to $6,000. Medical insurance does not cover the cost of LASIK. Vision insurance does not cover the cost of LASIK either. Waite Vision offers financing options to facilitate your investment in LASIK. Blended vision LASIK not only saves money in the long-term by reducing the need for corrective lenses, but also allow visual freedom which is priceless. LASIK is one of the best investments we can make in ourselves.
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#5 What happens during the LASIK procedure?
Blended vision LASIK precisely reshapes the corneas to correct presbyopia by optimizing one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision; the process involves three basic steps: preoperative preparation and examination, the procedure itself, and postoperative care. Here’s a further breakdown of Waite Vision’s process:
Preoperative Preparation: A thorough eye examination assesses your eye health, including thousands of corneal data points from multiple diagnostic machines, along with a precise measurement of the refractive state of the eye. Ocular dominance testing along with cross blur testing identifies which eye will be corrected for distance and which for near vision. Further testing refines how much near to treat.
The Surgical Procedure: Numbing eye drops eliminate pain during the procedure. A corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser. A hyper precise excimer laser reshapes the cornea: the dominant eye for distance vision and the non-dominant eye for reading vision. The corneal flap is then carefully repositioned, and it seals itself in place.
Postoperative Care: Patients may experience mild discomfort for the first 2-3 hours after the procedure. It’s best to the eyes, avoid strenuous activities the first evening. Follow-up visits monitor healing and address any issues. It can take time for the brain to adapt to blended vision.
#6 What are the side effects associated with blended vision?
While blended vision LASIK is highly effective, it does result in a visual compromise. Since each eye is focusing at a different focal distance, they are not working perfectly together. The brain needs time to adapt to the diparity between the eyes. This time frame is different for everyone. Some are able to adapt without days and others require up to 3 months to fully adapt. The vision during adaptation is still excellent.
Blended vision is a compromise to be able to achieve good vision without glasses for both near and far in a patient with presbyopia. This compromise and affect certain activitis. For example night driving can be more difficult since only one eye is perfectly focused on distance. This can induce glare or halos in the other eye. They tend to improve significantly over time. A small percentage of patients will opt to use glasses while driving at night to simply make it easier. Driving a car during the day usually does not present a problem in blended vision.
#7 How soon can I return to work after LASIK?
The healing time after LASIK is rapid. Most patients return to work the day after surgery. The eyes can get dry while working on a computer since we naturally blink less while using screens. Artificial tears are used every few hours to aid with healing and to prevent dryness.
We recommend no swimming or hot tubs for a week. No contact sports for one week. Showering and bathing are fine. No touching the eyes for the first 24 hours other than to carefully dab extra eye drops with a tissue. Eye rubbing is not recommended after LASIK specifically over the first month.
It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and to follow any specific instructions from your surgeon.
#8 How long do the effects of blended vision LASIK last?
The effects of blended vision last for the rest of your life. The eye can still change over time. Usually by the age of 70 most people will start to develop cataracts (cloudy lens) which can affect the best vision and make the effects from blended vision LASIK diminish. This can be corrected with custom lens replacement cataract surgery where a new artificial lens replaces the cloudy lens and allow for the patients to see both distance and near.
Factors influencing duration include:
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Age: Natural eye changes, such as cataracts, can impact long-term results.
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Eye Health: Pre-existing conditions and overall eye health are crucial.
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Surgical Technique: Advanced technology and skilled surgeons enhance success and satisfaction.
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Progression of Presbyopia: This continues, potentially reducing effectiveness.
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Lifestyle: UV exposure, smoking, and inadequate eye protection affect longevity.
While results will last for many decades, additional vision correction like lens replacement or touch-up LASIK may be needed.
FAQ’s About LASIK Blended Vision (Monovision)
How does blended vision affect night vision and depth perception?
Blended vision LASIK can impact visual perception including night vision and depth perception since each eye is optimized for different focal distances. After adaptation, most patients notice good night vision and normal depth perception Some patients may experience glare, or halos with night vision. Depth perception might also be slightly altered, which can affect tasks requiring precise vision. At Waite Vision, we thoroughly assess these potential side effects and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Can I undergo other vision correction procedures in the future if needed after blended vision LASIK?
Yes, you can undergo other refractive surgery procedures, such as touch-up LASIK if needed or lens replacement. The average age of catract surgery in the US is around age 73. So eventually cataract surgery with vision correction will be necessary after LASIK.
Can LASIK be customized for different activities, such as reading versus driving?
LASIK can be customized to optimize for both distance and near vision. Farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and also presbyopia can all be treated with LASIK. Waite Vision tailors the procedure to suit your lifestyle, ensuring that your vision supports your most frequent activities.
How does blended vision (monovision) LASIK impact sports and high-motion activities?
Blended vision can impact sports and high-motion activities, especially prior to adaptation. After adapation to blended vision, athletes can function as well as prior to blended vision.
How do patients with blended vision (monovision) LASIK typically describe their visual experience in low-light conditions?
Patients with monovision LASIK sometimes report some challenges in low-light conditions, such as glare or halos while driving at night. Waite Vision ensures patients are fully informed about these potential changes and provide strategies to manage them, ensuring you are satisfied with your vision in all lighting conditions.
Can blended vision (monovision) LASIK affect my ability to use digital screens and computer devices?
Blended vision LASIK is designed to make computer and screen use much easier since it improves and preserves good vision for near tasks. Waite Vision helps you adapt to these changes and ensures your vision is comfortable for screen use.
What psychological adjustments might be necessary when adapting to blended vision (monovision) LASIK?
Adapting to blended vision LASIK requires psychological adjustments as your brain learns to process different visual inputs from each eye. This timing for adaptation to this change is different for each person. Ranging from days to months for full adaptation. Waite Vision supports you through this adjustment period, offering guidance and follow-up care to ensure a smooth transition and optimal vision.
Are there specific professions or hobbies for which blended vision (monovision) LASIK is particularly advantageous or disadvantageous?
Blended vision LASIK is advantageous for presbyopic individuals who need both near and far vision. The FAA requires pilots with blended vision to wear glasses in the cockpit if they have blended vision. Waite Vision provides personalized assessments to determine if blended vision LASIK is right for your profession or hobbies.
What are the alternatives to blended vision (monovision)?
Alternatives to blended vision include LASIK for distance only, or lens replacement surgery also known as refractive lens exchange with lenses that allow for both distance and near vision. Waite Vision offers a range of vision correction options and will work with you to find the best solution for your needs.
Can blended vision (monovision) LASIK be reversed if I am not satisfied with the results?
Of course. Reversing blended vision LASIK is not a problem at all. For the rare patients that do not adapt well to blended vision, it can simply be reveresed with a touch-up LASIK procedure. Waite Vision is committed to patient satisfaction and will explore all available options to address any concerns and achieve the best possible vision for you.
