Washington DC Surgeons Offer Alternative LASIK Procedure to Eliminate Need for Reading Glasses

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Dec 20, 2012) -  Washington DC LASIK surgeons Dr. Thomas Clinch and Dr. Paul Kang understand that many patients have questions concerning eyeglasses in relation to LASIK procedures. At Eye Doctors of Washington, patients are concerned about their candidacy for LASIK as well as their need for glasses following the surgery. Drs. Clinch and Kang work to educate prospective patients on LASIK so they may make an informed decision about the procedure and maintain realistic expectations.

Some patients who wear glasses only for reading wonder if LASIK is an option for them. The reason patients experience increased difficulty in reading small print as they age is an ocular condition called presbyopia. The condition generally occurs in individuals between the ages of 40 and 50. Inside the eye, a change in the natural crystalline lens results in presbyopia. Because standard LASIK does not treat the lens inside the eye, this procedure cannot correct this condition.

However, many patients with presbyopia elect to have LASIK eye surgery using a correction called monovision. With a monovision correction, one eye receives a full distance correction and the other eye receives a lesser correction enabling the patient to have great near vision. Dr. Thomas Clinch, who has had monovision correction himself, highly recommends the procedure and consults with his patients to determine if monovision is a good choice for them.

Most patients over 40 years old who receive standard LASIK eye surgery to treat their distance vision will need reading glasses for close vision. For many patients who do not wish to wear glasses even for close distances, Drs. Clinch and Kang recommend monovision correction as opposed to a standard LASIK procedure. At Eye Doctors of Washington, the choice of monovision for any Washington DC LASIK patient is usually based on a prior record of success with monovision contact lenses.

About Thomas Clinch, MD
Dr. Thomas Clinch was recently honored with an Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a graduate of Cornell University and earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College. Dr. Clinch has been named in the National Registry of Who's Who and also named one of the "Best Doctors and Top Ophthalmologists in America." He is extensively trained in several procedures, including PRK refractive surgery, Intacs® and LASIK. Dr. Clinch is available for interview upon request.

About Paul Kang, MD
Dr. Paul Kang, a graduate of Harvard University, earned his medical degree at Indiana University. In addition to private practice, he also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University and the Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Kang works as a scientific reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and his clinical research has been recognized by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.