New Solutions for Loss of Near Sight

NearVision CK™

"Why continue to struggle with reading glasses?"

"For patients over 40 who have good distance vision in both eyes either naturally or as a result of previous laser surgery or cataract extraction, we have introduced a new procedure called NearVision CK," says Dr. Bense. "If patients can adapt to monovision using contacts, the Bense Eye Centre can perform NearVision CK to achieve a near vision goal to help eliminate the need for reading glasses."

NearVision CK is a non-laser, no incision, and no tissue removal radio frequency (RF) energy that reshapes the cornea to adjust its refractive attributes to bring near vision back into focus. A small pen shaped instrument with a Keroplast Tip that emits controlled RF is inserted around the cornea in a circular pattern that shrinks collagen and makes the eye steeper. Studies show that the depth of shrinkage determines the degree of corneal correction. The circular treatment tightens the cornea, increasing its curvature, thereby giving better near vision.

The best candidates for NearVision CK are:

• 40-45 years or older
• See well at distance (without glasses or contacts)
• Are tired of wearing reading glasses or magnifiers for all near vision tasks
• Post-LASIK patients that had LASIK over one year ago
• Post cataract patients that want less dependence on reading glasses

NearVision CK is typically performed on just one eye.

It is a safe, fast, and an in-office treatment that is painless. Any discomfort subsides within 24 hours of the procedure and most people can return to work the next day. Patients will experience immediate improvement in vision after the procedure but the eye usually only adjusts to the final level of reading vision after several weeks.

Mono-Vision

Introduction

As we age, the lens inside our eyes hardens and makes it difficult to read fine print. Patients who are older than forty years of age may elect to have mono-vision. This type of treatment reduces the need for glasses in these patients.

At Bense Vision we take great care in individualizing the treatment for each patient. In mono-vision one eye is corrected for distance and one eye is correcting for reading. Many patients find this type of vision correction to be an excellent compromise, decreasing the need for eyeglass use in their forties. However, it is not for everyone!

Reading Glasses (Presbyopia)

Presbyopia should not be confused with farsightedness. In middle age, the natural lens can no longer quickly alter its focus from far away to close up. By their 40s and 50s, whether they have laser surgery or not, most people require reading glasses, even if they have never had to wear glasses before. Treatments like mono-vision are now available to help eliminate the need for reading glasses in many patients. If you are unsure whether or not this treatment would be appropriate for you, please contact us. A number of alternative solutions, such as an Intraocular Lens Implant, may be a good choice for you.

Patients over forty therefore may have a choice with regards to correction of their presbyopia.

Is mono-vision right for me?

Mono-vision certainly isn’t appropriate for everyone.

• However, when paired with the right person, it can be a great fit.
• Mono-vision is a blend of near and distance vision, and is ideal for people with an active lifestyle.
• However, there is a caveat to consider: since it is a compromise, most people’s vision isn’t perfectly crisp up close or far away. Instead, it offers the best of both worlds.
• Most people who opt for mono-vision go through a brief period of adaptation as the brain “learns” to see with the eye best suited for the task.

When helping you to decide whether mono-vision is right for you, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you farsighted? It is generally not a ‘good idea’ in hyperopic men: they will always later complain of poor distance vision in the mono eye
• Do you enjoy golf or activities that require sharp distance vision?
• Do you read for long stretches or have a hobby that requires precise near vision?
• Do you drive extensively at night?
• Are you very discriminating about the quality of your vision?

Disadvantages of Mono-vision

• In mono-vision, the vision in one eye will always be unclear at far or near.
• Research and clinical observation have demonstrated that most individuals have enhanced visual acuity and perceived clarity when both eyes are corrected equally.
• A lack of visual sharpness is a common complaint.
• Because of these side-effects, it might still be necessary to wear prescription glasses for some activities, such as night driving, playing piano, computer work etc.
• An advantage of mono-vision over other options, such as multifocal lenses, is the lower cost associated with monovision.

So, choose mono-vision as a compromise: it is not an ideal cure for all your near vision needs, It is a compromise; it is hopefully good enough functional vision so that most of the time, you will not need reading glasses.