No. PRESBYOND, like other corneal laser procedures, is not truly reversible, because the removed tissue cannot be replaced.
What can and cannot be changed
Adjustments are possible, full reversal is not.
- Additional laser or lens surgery can modify the overall prescription later
- Cataract or lens replacement can change focusing again if required
- However, the original corneal ablation cannot be undone
- Some side‑effects, such as mild halos, may persist even after further procedures
- Patients should consent on the basis that the corneal change is permanent
Implications for decision‑making
Reversibility should not be assumed.
- Important for risk‑averse or perfectionist individuals
- More reversible options (for example ICLs, lens surgery, or contacts) may be preferable
- Extensive counselling about permanence and trade‑offs is essential
- Thorough pre‑operative testing reduces the chance of avoidable dissatisfaction
- Surgery should only proceed when long‑term benefits clearly outweigh the desire for reversibility
