Over 50 and hating readers? Great news, you don’t have to live like this. Hunting for readers is an annoyance you don’t have space for in your life! There’s a quick, painless eye procedure that can fix your reader-cheater glasses issue and make life a whole lot better. Did you know that there are five different procedures that get people out of glasses, contacts, readers, and bifocals? Dr. Wu offers all 5 vision correction procedures, so you can make the right choice for your eyes, not just LASIK. We specialize in finding the best treatment for your needs, giving you the safest, most effective, longest-lasting results.
Vision Correction in Your 50s
Two common conditions will affect most people’s eyes as they age, often starting to hinder your vision in your 50s. The first is presbyopia, which occurs when your natural lenses become less flexible, making seeing up close a challenge, hence the need for reading glasses or makeup magnifying mirrors.
The second condition is cataracts, which is a clouding of the natural lens due to clumping proteins. Early symptoms of cataracts include glare when driving at night, trouble reading small print and difficulty applying make-up. Cataracts progress slowly, and results in slowly worsening vision.
It’s hard to live, laugh, love when you’ve gotta pull out readers to read a menu. Plus, your readers are making you look old, even though you are healthy and active. When considering your vision correction options to be free of readers, you should take into account the fact that you will need cataract surgery in the future. Your eye surgeon will consider many factors, such as your eye prescription, current reading demands and overall eye health.
Best Vision Correction Treatments for People in Their 50s
Monovision LASIK
People who want to ditch reading glasses but prefer laser eye surgery, may benefit from monovision LASIK. This procedure works in the same way as standard LASIK, except the laser corrects one eye for distance and one eye for up-close vision. We require a contact lens trial to ensure our brain will adapt to this change in vision. However, once you have adjusted, you will enjoy freedom from reading glasses. This treatment option does not prevent the development of cataracts.
Refractive Lens Exchange/Clear Lens Exchange
Because your lenses are becoming less flexible at this age and will eventually develop cataracts, your eye surgeon may recommend a procedure called refractive or clear lens exchange (RLE).
This 20-30 minute procedure involves removing your natural lens and inserting an advanced technology intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. This new bionic lens can provide clear vision at distance and up close and prevent the development of future cataracts.
Monovision LASIK and RLE are both effective ways to treat presbyopia. If dealing with presbyopia is your primary goal, monovision LASIK may work well for you. If you cannot see without reading glasses and are noticing early symptoms of cataracts, then RLE may be a better option. People who have RLE treatment do not need future cataract surgery. In addition, if you have had prior vision correction treatment (such as LASIK), RLE may be a better option.
Schedule Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Schedule consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange in my 50s
Several factors continue to make refractive lens exchange (RLE) one of the most effective treatments for individuals in this age range. Technological advancements in the precision of IOL implants allow LASIK-like results for BOTH distance and near vision. Now, patients desire these benefits long before they develop cataracts, usually when they are searching for their pesky readers.
Corrects Your Refractive Errors
If you have been told you are not a LASIK candidate, RLE can correct a wide range of prescriptions, including high astigmatism, farsightedness, or very strong nearsightedness.
No more reading glasses or cataracts
Unlike your natural lenses, once inserted, the implant will never become cloudy, or lose their ability to focus light. You will enjoy long lasting clear vision! In addition, you will not require additional cataract surgery. Who doesn’t love a two for one deal?
Comfortable and Long-Lasting
The procedure is painless and you will not feel your new implants. They can stay in place for a lifetime. While the vision correction they provide is permanent, other parts of your eye may still change. Keep in mind that while this procedure addresses changes to your lenses, it does not prevent other age-related eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
What is recovery like after vision correction treatment?
Vision correction procedures usually have minimal downtime. The most common effects after your procedure include scratchy sensation and sensitivity to light, and your vision may be blurry for a few days. Most people are back to work within two to three days, although your vision may take a few weeks to stabilize.
Take the Next Step
Want to know more about vision correction in your 50s? Please fill out the form on this page or call 949.208.9090 to schedule your appointment.
We proudly serve the Costa Mesa & Newport Beach areas.
