Correcting presbyopia with LASIK? How to correct and prevent presbyopiaOphthalmologist Byungjin Kim

Methods to correct presbyopia include magnifying glasses, varifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses, and presbyopia correction. Among them, presbyopia correction methods vary depending on the degree of myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism, or cataract, and include radiofrequency keratoplasty (CK), surgery to correct the cornea with a laser such as LASEK, corneal implants for presbyopia correction, and multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

1) Radiofrequency keratoplasty (CK)

Radiofrequency keratoplasty (CK) is a surgical option that can be used if you have normal vision or mild farsightedness. Radiofrequency waves apply heat around the cornea of the Vigosian* to cause the central cornea to bulge. Although the procedure is quick and simple, it tends to be less effective by about 25% in three years.

2) Presbyopia LASIK/LASEK surgery using laser

First of all, the monovision method is used to make one visual eye clearly visible to distant objects, and the other method to make close objects visible clearly. Each individual has a different degree of adaptation and the time it takes to adapt, so a thorough pre-examination is essential. However, monovision surgery improves vision at close and long distances, but it has the disadvantage of not being able to see well at intermediate distances and feeling dizzy. If you have moderate myopia, we recommend LBV (Laser Blended Vision) treatment, which combines the advantages of conventional presbyopia correction surgery.

3) Presbyopia correction by corneal inlay

Correction of presbyopia with corneal implants is a method in which a special type of corneal implant is inserted under the corneal flap of the non-visual eye during LASIK surgery to create a pinhole effect* or bifocal glasses effect. Although the procedure is simple, it requires caution because it can cause side effects such as narrowing of the field of view or foreign objects, and it is difficult to treat when cataracts occur.

4) Multifocal intraocular lens implantation

If the farsightedness is very severe or is accompanied by even a slight cataract, multifocal intraocular lens surgery is most effective. Multifocal intraocular lens surgery is a method in which the lens that has lost control is removed by ultrasonic cataract surgery and replaced with a new special multifocal intraocular lens. This method works well at both near and far distances, but it has the disadvantages of being a bit of a nighttime light blur and being expensive.

Post-presbyopia management varies slightly depending on the method and type of surgery, but the results of surgery are good if the infection is thoroughly managed and dry eye syndrome is treated with frequent eye drops. If you are tired or in poor physical condition due to excessive exertion, your eye function will also decrease, so proper health care is also essential.