How is PresbyLASIK Different from LASIK for Monovision?

Both monovision LASIK and presbyLASIK are attempts to provide good vision at both distance and near for people over 40 who need reading glasses.  Monovision LASIK is a monofocal treatment for each eye.  Each eye is treated to see best at one distance (generally one eye for near and the other eye for distance).  PresbyLASIK is one variety of multifocal LASIK treatment that causes the same eye to focus at both distance and near at the same time.  The disadvantage to this treatment would be reduced vision at both locations as well.  Monofocal treatment would provide the best possible vision at the desired distance but worse vision at other distances.  It depends on binocular viewing to see well at both distance and near.  Multifocal LASIK does not require binocularity to see well at both distances but cannot achieve the best possible vision at either location.

presbyLASIK is not yet FDA approved, it is being investigated by VISX in Canada, which is FDA-free.  the problem w presbyLASIK is it puts a multifocal zone on both eyes, so both eyes get a mixed signal.  in other words, each eye gets a simultaneous signal for both distance and near.  this results invariably in decreased contrast sensitivity, which can cause some night driving problems.  monovision, on the other hand, provides a crisp signal to each eye, one distance, one near.  i was the 1st eye MD to have monovision LASIK, and it works great, so i do a lot of this for my patients in NYC.  it works best in patients like myself who are strongly dominant in one eye (usually right eye dominant).  so see your eye MD and ask for a monovision contact lens trial, is the best way to investigate this for you!

PresbyLASIK is a procedure which is performed to enable individuals to see at distance and up close and used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism in combination with presbyopia, or the loss of near vision when we reach our 40's.  PresbyLASIK is not FDA approved and has not been used extensively in the U.S. but is the combination of two, FDA approved procedures.  It involves creating a multifocal cornea on your eye.

In monovision or blended vision, one eye is fully treated for distance, while the other is partially treated for near.  When both eyes are open, individuals may see well for both distance and near. 

The doctor will need to determine which procedure is best for you and your eyes.