Is it normal to experience near vision loss after ReLEx® SMILE®?

Doctor's Answer

it's great to hear that your distance vision is so good after your recent eye surgery.

In the early period, especially within the first week, it is fairly common to find that fine detail (such as when we are looking at things close up) is not so clear. There can be a slight mistiness to the vision overall.

This happens sometimes also with LASIK, and often is related to the fact that the eye is still healing and the presence of a 'junction' or 'interface' between the flap/cap and the underlying cornea. As the eye heals, this 'junction'/'interface' becomes less obvious and vision improves.

There is also the possibility of temporary fluctuations in refractive state (spectacle power), and that is why we usually wait until one month after LASIK before re-measuring the spectacle power, which is usually very low or zero at that time.

You are probably worried about age-related focusing issues (Lao Hua in Chinese or otherwise known as presbyopia). Rest assured that no laser refractive surgery affects this in any way. It will develop eventually but at the usual age of your early forties. For sure, what you are experiencing now is not Lao Hua/presbyopia.

My guess is that your near visual blurring will improve over the next few weeks. Do continue follow up with your regular doctor and the usual instructions regarding post-operative care and eyedrops.

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