What Comes First- Glasses or LASIK?

LASIK or Eyeglasses?

For most patients, the decision to choose glasses or LASIK comes after years of dependence on glasses or contact lenses for improved vision. For some, though, it is possible to choose LASIK without ever having to be bothered with glasses. There are some key factors in making this decision.

• Age. The FDA has approved the LASIK procedure for patients age 18 and older. This is because children’s eyes grow and often change until they reach their late teens or early adulthood. Laser vision correction if performed on a child would be permanent. However, since they are still growing and have not reached the full potential of their refractive error; they may still require further correction in the future.
• Condition. Some conditions, like presbyopia, cannot be corrected with LASIK. However, there is a process with LASIK called monovision where the more dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is correct for reading.  A patient who adjusts to monovision see well in both distance and near.
• Money. LASIK is an investment, and some people choose to wear glasses for a while as a cheaper alternative. Of course, in the long run, the cost of glasses can add up to a much larger sum than the money spent on LASIK.

Something to note is that laser vision correction does not always eliminate the need for glasses inpatient above the age of forty and who are experiencing presbyopia. Monovision is an option for these patients and it corrects one of their eyes for distance and the other eye for near vision. People who have tried monovision in a contact lens or with LASIK and do not adjust well can have their vision corrected for distance only and will still need glasses afterward for reading.  For most people who have the procedure before the age of forty, this is not necessary.

In Dallas, LASIK for all kinds of conditions is expertly provided by Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center. Led by Dr. Tylock, a pioneer in the field of ophthalmologic surgery, and the Tylock staff is deeply committed to excellence in patient care. Whether you need an exam, surgery, or just more information about how laser eye surgery works, the Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center can help.