PRESBYOND uses a customised laser profile to create a slightly different focal point in each eye, with an extended depth of focus that allows the two eyes to work together seamlessly. The result is functional vision at distance, intermediate (computer), and near (reading) distances, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.
PRESBYOND is a Carl Zeiss technology and is considered one of the most successful presbyopic laser treatments available. Dr Chiu performs PRESBYOND at our laser suite in the Sydney CBD.
How PRESBYOND Works
PRESBYOND creates a customised corneal profile using the same LASIK platform. One eye is optimised for distance vision and the other for near, but unlike traditional monovision, PRESBYOND creates an extended ‘blend zone’ where the two focal points overlap. This allows the brain to merge the images smoothly, providing a continuous range of focus.
The blend zone is the key difference from simple monovision. Most patients find it much more natural and comfortable, with better depth perception and fewer visual compromises.
Who Is PRESBYOND Suitable For?
PRESBYOND is best suited for patients who:
- Are aged 40 and over and experiencing presbyopia
- Are frustrated by their dependence on reading glasses
- May also have a distance refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) that can be corrected at the same time
- Have adequate corneal thickness and health for laser treatment
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome (some patients may still use readers for very fine print or prolonged close work)
Dr Chiu assesses suitability during your consultation. Allow approximately 2 hours for your vision correction assessment; certain workups, particularly for long-sighted patients or complex cases, may take longer.
PRESBYOND vs Other Presbyopia Options
- PRESBYOND — laser-based, preserves the natural lens. Best for patients with good corneal health and moderate prescriptions who want to avoid lens replacement
- ICL Viva — lens-based, preserves the natural lens. Suited for patients with higher prescriptions or those not suitable for laser
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) — replaces the natural lens with an IOL. Most appropriate for patients over 50 to 60+ or those approaching cataract development
The Procedure
PRESBYOND is performed using the LASIK technique: a thin flap is created, the cornea is reshaped with a customised laser profile, and the flap is repositioned. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes for both eyes. Both eyes are usually treated on the same day.
Recovery
Visual recovery is rapid, with most patients noticing functional improvement within days. The brain takes time to adapt to the blended vision profile, typically a few weeks. During this adaptation period, vision continues to improve.
Risks
Risks are similar to standard LASIK: dry eyes, halos/glare, undercorrection/overcorrection. While we carefully test tolerance to blended vision preoperatively, here is a small chance that some patients don’t adapt well to the blended vision profile, in which case the treatment may be adjusted or, in rare cases, reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PRESBYOND completely eliminate my need for reading glasses?
Most patients achieve functional near vision for everyday tasks like reading their phone, using a computer, and reading menus. For very fine print or prolonged close work, some patients may still occasionally use readers. Dr Chiu will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Is PRESBYOND the same as monovision?
No. Traditional monovision sets one eye for distance and one for near, which can compromise depth perception and leave a gap at intermediate distances. PRESBYOND creates an extended blend zone between the two focal points, allowing smoother and more natural binocular vision.
What if I also need distance correction?
PRESBYOND can correct both a distance refractive error and presbyopia in the same procedure. Whether you’re myopic, hyperopic, or have astigmatism, the laser profile is customised to address both.
Am I too old for PRESBYOND?
PRESBYOND is generally suitable from age 40 onwards. For patients over 50 to 60+, particularly if there are early lens changes, refractive lens exchange may be more appropriate because it addresses both the presbyopia and the ageing lens. Dr Chiu will advise on the best approach.