Understanding Patient Experiences Before and After Monovision LASIK for Hyperopia and Presbyopia: A Qualitative Approach

Ermano de Melo Alves,1 Paulo Schor,2 Bianca Arruda Manchester Queiroga,3 Marina Alves Lucena,4 Márcio Martins de Melo Alves5 1Refractive Surgery Department, OFTALMAX/ OPTY, Recife, PE, Brazil; 2Ophthalmology Department, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 3Speech Therapy Department, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil; 4Psychiatry Department, Maternal and Child Institute of Pernambuco – IMIP, Recife, PE, Brazil; 5Ophthalmology Department, ABC School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, BrazilCorrespondence: Ermano de Melo Alves, Refractive Surgery Department, OFTALMAX/ OPTY, R Benfica, 411, Madalena, Recife, PE, CEP-50030-230, Brazil, Email [email protected]: This study aimed to explore the social and emotional perceptions of individuals with presbyopia, focusing on the impact of age-related near-vision loss before and after monovision LASIK surgery.Patients and Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with individuals diagnosed with presbyopia, along with associated hyperopia and/or astigmatism, and moderate refractive errors suitable for monovision LASIK. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software (version 9.1.1) to identify codes, subthemes, and overarching themes. A thematic content analysis was conducted, with data collection concluding when saturation was reached. A total of 17 participants (9 women, 8 men), aged 48– 60 years, were interviewed through 8 face-to-face and 9 videoconferencing sessions.Results: Presbyopia emerged as a significant milestone with emotional and psychological implications, often linked to the perception of aging, such as concerns about diminished independence and appearance. Motivations for surgery included aesthetics, discomfort with glasses, hygiene concerns, and the desire for greater independence. Fear of the procedure was identified as a key barrier, though it was mitigated by social support. Despite initial adaptation challenges, most participants reported favorable outcomes, citing improved self-esteem and a sense of freedom.Conclusion: For carefully selected individuals, monovision LASIK can be an effective strategy for addressing the challenges of presbyopia, particularly with respect to the psychological and social dimensions of aging.Keywords: aging and vision, psychological impact, patient experiences, near-vision loss, vision correction