Is There a Way to Say Goodbye to Reading Glasses for Good?
February 7th, 2022
Having to rely on reading glasses seems like a given once you’ve reached a certain age. It’s just a normal part of getting older.
What if it didn’t have to be that way? What if you could say goodbye to your reading glasses for good and not have to give up reading or ordering for yourself at restaurants? Keep reading to find out more.
What is Presbyopia?
What is it that causes this need for reading glasses? It’s a condition called presbyopia.
Presbyopia is age-related farsightedness. This eye condition affects everyone, usually around their forties or fifties.
It happens as the natural lenses in your eyes become less flexible. When this occurs, it becomes more challenging to focus on things up close in front of you. You may also struggle to focus when switching from near to far vision.
You begin to notice it when words seem fuzzy or blurry, or you need to focus hard to decipher small print. Your eyes may hurt after concentrating for long periods, or you may get frequent headaches while reading.
Getting reading glasses can help, but you may find yourself buying several pairs. You may find that you never have them when you want them or that you constantly take them on and off. You may also find that you need to replace them as your eyes continue aging.
Getting a new prescription can help temporarily. But if you’re tired of spending money on reading glasses that you seem to misplace, it can feel like an endless, expensive cycle.
You may be a good candidate for cataract surgery, which involves replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens, or IOL.
Intraocular Lenses
An IOL or artificial lens is a permanent solution to repair your eyesight during cataract surgery. Depending on the IOL you choose, they can help you see distances near and far and make it easier to see while reading. These lenses replace your eye’s natural lens after a surgeon removes that lens.
Cataract surgery is very straightforward and consists of having your natural lens broken up and removed, and the IOL put in its place. There are two options for surgery, and you’ll need to discuss which one is best as insurance carriers don’t always cover one option.
The two options are:
Traditional Cataract Surgery
This is the most common treatment method. Most insurance providers will cover it. Traditional cataract surgery uses blades to remove your cataract and natural lens.
It starts by creating a tiny incision in your cornea. Small probes break up the natural lens. Another tiny instrument gently removes these pieces before your surgeon inserts the artificial lens and puts it into place.
Stitches may be necessary to close up the incision. You may experience feelings of discomfort while your eye heals.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is a blade-free procedure performed using lasers. It’s faster, safer for patients, and allows for a quicker recovery.
Insurance plans may not cover this, meaning you may have to pay out of pocket, but its distinct advantages are worth it.
Treatment involves using 3D imaging to get an exact map of your eye. To break up the cataract, your surgeon uses a laser. They can then insert the IOL without needing any stitches. The incision heals quickly, allowing you to get back to your daily activities.
Either of these options can work well for you in helping you rid yourself of reading glasses for good. As a bonus, you can also look forward to reduced dependence on glasses.
Wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to reading glasses? Schedule an appointment at the Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
