Middle Ages (40’s/50’s)

Many people in this age group finally opt for vision correction because they are starting to deal with presbyopia and have to go to a bi-focal, multifocal lens or reading glasses. Dry eye is more common in this age group as well and can make wearing contact lenses more uncomfortable. Even people that have never had vision problems will begin to have blurry near vision making it difficult to read small print or do up-close tasks such as threading a needle.

Laser vision surgery can correct visual errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but our surgeons can also reduce the dependency on reading glasses for near vision with this age group.

Blended Vision with LASIK, PRK and CK

Our doctors believe that blended vision is a good option for presbyopic patients.  Typically with blended vision the dominant eye is targeted for distance and the non-dominant eye is targeted for near to intermediate distances. “I had blended vision 10 years ago, and, at 60, I still don’t need reading glasses,” says Dr. Durrie. “As a surgeon, seeing the fine detail is imperative.” In rare circumstances, a person may actually prefer correcting the dominant eye for near or it may be determined that a person is co-dominant.  Blended vision should not be confused with monovision.  Blended vision is milder than monovision because there is less near correction in the non-dominant eye resulting in less difference between the eyes.  Far more people are able to adapt to blended vision than to monovision as there is no to little dissociation between the eyes. The increase in depth of field, or range in vision, is achieved when the distance and near eyes overlap at intermediate distances.  The brain usually adapts to each eye focusing at a different distance within six to eight weeks, but it may take longer for you to adjust.  There may be some situations (such as night driving, performing fine detailed work or reading in poor lighting conditions) where you might require corrective lenses.

The decision to have blended vision is dependent on your age, profession, hobbies and desires.  You must be aware that certain occupations (e.g. particular levels of aviation, military or law enforcement agencies) do not recognize blended vision as a treatment option.  If you proceed with blended vision, you may have to wear corrective lenses to focus both eyes at distance when performing certain duties required by your job.

Our comprehensive Advanced Ocular Analysis will determine which procedure will be right for you.

Contact Durrie Vision today to schedule your appointment or call (913) 871-1166.