Understanding Patient Experiences Before and After Monovision LASIK for Hyperopia and Presbyopia: A Qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Presbyopia, or age-related near-vision loss, significantly impacts daily life.
• Individuals often experience emotional and psychological challenges associated with presbyopia, including concerns about aging, independence, and appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the social and emotional perceptions of individuals with presbyopia.
• To assess the impact of age-related near-vision loss before and after monovision LASIK surgery.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews with 17 participants (aged 48-60) diagnosed with presbyopia and suitable for monovision LASIK.
• Thematic content analysis of interview data using ATLAS.ti software to identify key themes and patterns.

Main Results:

• Presbyopia is perceived as a milestone with emotional implications, linked to aging concerns.
• Motivations for surgery include independence and aesthetics; fear is a barrier mitigated by social support.
• Most participants reported improved self-esteem and a sense of freedom post-surgery despite initial adaptation challenges.

Conclusions:

• Monovision LASIK is an effective strategy for selected individuals with presbyopia.
• The procedure positively addresses the psychological and social dimensions of aging related to near-vision loss.