While Lasik eye surgery, or "laser eye surgery", is a popular choice for many people, what does it mean for motorcycle riders?

I have an astigmatism in one eye causing my far vision to be slightly blurred, but my near vision has been good. However, recently I noticed my up-close vision failing (I can't read something up close to my face).

I used to wear glasses to correct the astigmatism, but I noticed my vision getting worse after a couple years, and I had to get stronger lenses. Then one day my glasses got scratched up badly, and I just never wore glasses again. Over the years my far-vision has improved significantly.

I found an interesting thread on Motorcycle Tourers Forum where other riders discussed what Lasik eye surgery meant to them. Here are some interesting observations...

1. Many have said that their eyes become more prone to dryness. They have to wear faceshield on their helmets, or tighter-fitting glasses/goggles because the wind and dust becomes too unbearable. Some have to bring a bottle of artificial tears when they ride.



2. Some of have said that while far-vision is improved, up-close (reading) vision is not improved, or sometimes is worsened. People still needed reading glasses



3. When an eye surgeon performs Lasik eye surgery, often times he or she creates a condition called "monovision", where one eye is tuned to far-vision, and the other eye is tuned to near-vision, giving the patient the best of both worlds. Monovision, however, eliminates the depth-perception that binocular vision gives us. Some people can tolerate monovision quite well, by using visual clues to retrain their brain to determine depth. Other people can't tolerate monovision at all.



4. All of the Lasik eye surgery patients on the Motorcycle Tourers Forum say their vision is much better and do not regret having it.

Labels: Eye Problems, Lasik Eye Surgery