PresbyMAX is an elective procedure with real, though low, risks; very risk‑averse people may decide that surgery is not right for them.
Considerations for risk‑averse patients
Perceived risk strongly influences satisfaction.
- Complications such as infection, haze, or quality‑of‑vision issues are rare but possible
- Even good outcomes may still leave mild halos or residual need for glasses
- High anxiety can make the process stressful and colour perception of results
- Non‑surgical alternatives like multifocal glasses or contacts carry less procedural risk
- Choosing not to have surgery is a valid and often sensible decision
How to approach the decision
Time and information can help.
- Detailed explanation of absolute risks versus everyday risks
- Opportunity to ask questions and perhaps seek a second opinion
- Trial of monovision or multifocal contacts to gauge tolerance to optical trade‑offs
- Option to defer surgery and reassess later if presbyopia becomes more disabling
- Shared decision‑making rather than pressure to proceed is essential
