What eye surgery corrects astigmatism and presbyopia?
These are actually two very different conditions.
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of near vision due to the slow, progressive aging of the natural lens of the eye. The only definitive "cure" for this is a presbyopia-correcting lens implant (IOL). It is possible to "trick" presbyopia through a strategy known as Monovision: one eye set to focus up close and the other at a distance, but this is not actually a "cure." Monovision can be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK, ICLs, or single-vision IOLs.
Astigmatism is the lack of a single focal point for the eye. Typically found in the cornea, astigmatism can be neutralized or corrected with LASIK, ICLs, PRK or (in the context of lens implant surgery) toric IOLs.
Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic
