Eyesight correction...

[asneakysnickers]

Can you tell me how you manage your eyesight? I have been shortsighted since age 11 and now (56) am longsighted as well. I have an astigmatism. I have soft disposal contact lenses with a varifocal prescription but the astigmatism bothers me with this. I don't notice it with glasses. Years ago I had varifocal gas permeable lenses which were not bad, but now I'm wondering about some type of corrective surgery, maybe laser or lens replacement. Do you have any stories to tell? Thank you

I was very shortsighted, with astigmatism. I used to wear glasses or contact lenses, and was beginning to need reading glasses on top. I had laser surgery ten years ago, and it was honestly the best money I have ever spent. I reckon I have now saved a fortune in new specs and lenses. I now can buy nice sunglasses and that’s all I need. I have one eye corrected for reading, and one for distance. It works fine. I have never had such good vision, and to me, it’s like a miracle to be able to get up in the morning and not fumble for my specs. It costs nothing to have an assessment.

i was also short sighted with astigmatism.
Laser eye surgery was the best thing I ever did. Had it 10 years ago though and my eyes are naturally beginning to get worse again.

Gosh that does sound good - I've never liked waking in the night and not being able to see my clock! Can I ask, it sounds as though you were longsighted too? Did they say anything about it changing over time?

If you have laser surgery to correct short sight, your eyes will still ‘age’, so it is quite likely that you will need reading glasses eventually. That, as far as I was concerned, is a small price to pay for the freedom of having otherwise great eyesight.
I was only becoming long sighted when wearing my contact lenses. Varifocal lenses were a thing of the future, so I needed readers over my lenses. It was all getting a bit silly, and very expensive.

Dont want to put you off but my dad got laser eye surgery in his 50s. Worst thing he ever did. He was shortsighted before but not bad. They had laser on him too long resulting in needing glasses for shortsight and longsight which was devastating as he was mechanical engineer and struggled with 2 types of sight. His eyes (about 15 yr later) are starting to change and his longsighted is geting better so less need for the reading glasses.

Not sure if the surgery have to publish results of their work yet, they didnt have to back then

My friend had it done about 5 years ago , roughly aged 50, last time I saw her, about 18 months ago she had to wear reading glasses. It does seem to be better if you're young

When I investigated laser eye surgery ( some time ago) the risk of complications was one in 20. No ta.

I wear contacts for outside days, with poundland readers over the top if needed. Otherwise I am delighted with my varifocal specs.

Same age as you. Asked my optician's advice this week and she said to go for lens replacement as it will also prevent cataracts.

Over 50 years of age lens replacement surgery is much more appropriate than laser. As midlife mentions it then negates the need for cataract surgery as you already have replacement lenses.

The astigmatism can be corrected by using a toric replacement lens, it doesn't sound from your post as if you have toric contact lenses.

In your position I would find a reputable surgeon and go and have a consultation, they will measure your eyes, talk through the risks and benefits, lens options - i.e. Where you want your focus set, distance, near, monovision, extended depth of focus.

I would certainly not recommend laser at your age. Good luck

You could try mono vision contact lenses that would correct your astigmatism as well as your long/short sightedness.
Your dominant eye of corrected for distance and your other for reading and your brain does the working between.
Unfortunately they haven't come up with a multi focal tonic lens.