Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Reading Vision Problems?

Over the years, the eye’s muscles lose strength, making it harder to focus on close objects. This age-related condition is called presbyopia, a refractive error that causes difficulty focusing up close. As the natural lens in the eye becomes less flexible, near vision gets worse, leading to reading difficulties, and most people eventually need reading glasses.

Presbyopia can develop in people who previously had perfect vision, as well as in those who already have refractive errors such as astigmatism and myopia (nearsightedness). In all these cases, it’s recommended to visit the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, which is known for its experienced medical team and advanced diagnostic and surgical technology. There, patients can explore the available options, including customized eyeglasses or laser eye surgery.

Also read: Nystagmus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Everything You Need to Know

The Most Common Vision Problems

Refractive errors are the most common eye problems and are usually correctable. These issues occur when the shape of the eye does not allow light to focus properly on the retina, affecting a person’s ability to see clearly at near or far distances.

The three main types of refractive errors include:

Presbyopia is a refractive error most often associated with aging and results in an inability to focus clearly on nearby objects. Symptoms usually begin in a person’s 40s and tend to worsen until about age 65.

Regular eye examinations at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah can easily detect presbyopia. One of the most obvious signs is when a person starts holding reading material farther away than usual to see it clearly.

Cataract is an eye condition and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the eye’s natural lens and block light from passing properly to the retina. Cataracts can develop at any age but are much more common in people over 50.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea becomes thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape causes blurred vision and light sensitivity. Keratoconus usually starts in the late teenage years and worsens over time. Advanced keratoconus may require a corneal transplant.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common vision problems and the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over 60. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina, resulting in loss of central vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness in adults. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes must be fully aware of the signs, symptoms, and consequences of diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma, which affects about 9 out of 10 glaucoma patients.

Other types include congenital glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and can cause rapid, permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.

Eye injuries and aging can cause small retinal tears, which may progress to retinal detachment. The longer a tear or detachment is left untreated, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss.

Markaz Ru’ya Eye Center

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Symptoms of Presbyopia

There are several common symptoms experienced by people with presbyopia. When the following vision problems appear, it may be time to schedule a consultation at the Eye Center in Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah for a comprehensive eye examination:

Presbyopia typically begins around the age of 40, and by about age 60 many people have lost most of the lens flexibility needed to focus on close objects.

Also read: The Best Ways and Glasses to Protect Your Eyes from Computer Screens

Modern Treatments That Can Improve Reading Vision

One of the most common options for people with reading vision problems is using reading glasses. These are specifically designed to help the lens focus at short distances. However, because reading glasses are only needed for near tasks, they can sometimes be inconvenient. Some people wear them on a chain around their neck for easy access, while others keep them in a bag or case. Constantly having to put them on and take them off just to read a label, a prescription, or a newspaper article can be tiring and frustrating. This is where laser eye surgery comes in.

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Is Laser Eye Surgery an Option for Reading Vision?

Thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques, several alternatives are now available that can provide a long-term solution for reading vision problems. Laser eye surgery has an excellent success rate in correcting near-vision difficulties related to reading. Using highly precise lasers, the surgeon reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors that are affecting visual clarity. There are many different types of laser vision correction procedures available.

Another option is lens replacement surgery (refractive lens exchange), an innovative treatment that can correct a wide range of refractive errors in addition to treating and preventing cataracts.

Also read: Getting Rid of Reading Glasses: The Latest KAMRA™ Inlay Technology

Treatment of Presbyopia

If you are experiencing reading vision problems or find that relying on reading glasses is becoming a burden, you should visit the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex to discuss your options. The surgeons there are highly trained and among the leading specialists in laser eye surgery worldwide.

Also read: Does Eye Astigmatism Worsen Over Time?

Whatever symptoms of poor vision or eye defects you may have, this delicate medical condition requires thorough examination and appropriate treatment by a skilled ophthalmologist using effective, advanced medical devices that ensure optimal outcomes. Whatever eye disease or problem you are facing, you can book an appointment at Al Batal Specialized Complex for a complete eye evaluation and to begin addressing your vision issues, no matter how complex they may be.