Options for Improving Near Vision

Possible alternatives to reduce need for reading glasses.

Technological advancements continue to give more options for decreasing dependency on traditional reading glasses.

Contact Lenses

Your doctor can prescribe multi-focal contact lenses or mono-vision lenses. With mono-vision contact lenses you will use one eye to see near and the other eye to see distance objects.

Mono-Vision LASIK

LASIK, which is the acronym for 'laser assisted in situ keratomileusis,' is a procedure in which an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. Mono-vision LASIK is the same procedure except one eye is treated for distance and the other eye (usually non-dominant eye) is treated for near.

The challenge with mono-vision treatments is that not everyone can adapt. If you are unable to adapt, both eyes will be corrected for distance. You will use traditional reading glasses for near work.

Advanced Intraocular Lenses

If you have a cataract, the natural lens of your eye will be replaced with an intraocular lens. These lenses can give you a range of vision by mimicking the function of your natural lens. Some doctors offer presbyopic patients the option to remove the lens prior to developing a cataract.

The challenge with today's intraocular lenses is that none can promise all three distances - near, far and intermediate. You may still have to compromise either intermediate or near vision. Additionally, these procedures are not reversible.

CK

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) uses controlled radio waves to reshape the cornea of one eye to improve near vision. It is essentially a mono-vision procedure.

Results from the CK are temporary.

Presby LASIK

Presby LASIK is an experimental type of laser vision correction surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to establish different zones for seeing at near to far distances.

Presby LASIK is currently in clinical trials outside the U.S. This procedure is not approved by the FDA.

AcuFocus Corneal Inlay

The corneal inlay is a micro-thin piece of black polymer with a small opening in the center. The eye surgeon places the inlay within the cornea and centers it over the non-dominant pupil. It is designed to improve depth of focus, which may allow the eye to see near and intermediate objects more clearly.

The AcuFocus Corneal Inlay is currently in worldwide clinical studies. Unlike Presby LASIK, the procedure can be reversed by surgically removing the inlay.

Contact us to learn if you are a potential research subject for this no-cost near vision screening study.

Click here and answer a few questions to determine if you meet the requirements for the study.

This website contains general information about the AcuFocus Corneal Inlay clinical research study. This information is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.

Caution: Investigational Device. Limited by United States federal law to investigational use.