Is near vision correction surgery available in Tijuana?

Why Choose Tijuana for Near Vision Correction Surgery?

For millions of people over the age of 40, the frustrating experience of holding a phone at arm's length or needing reading glasses to see a menu is a daily reality. This age-related loss of near vision, known as presbyopia, is a natural part of aging.

The great news is that modern ophthalmology offers several advanced surgical solutions to turn back the clock on your vision. As a leading hub for high-tech, affordable eye care, Tijuana, Mexico, has become a top destination for these procedures.

So, is near vision correction surgery available in Tijuana? The answer is a definitive yes. Tijuana's world-class eye centers are equipped with the same, if not better, technology as the top clinics in the United States. They offer a full spectrum of procedures designed to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses, performed by highly skilled, U.S. fellowship-trained ophthalmologists.

This guide, current for September 2025, will walk you through the advanced options available. We will explore PresbyLASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and other techniques, explain who is a good candidate, and detail how to find a true specialist to trust with your vision.

Understanding Presbyopia: Why Reading Vision Declines

Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, which are related to the shape of the eyeball, presbyopia is a focusing problem caused by the aging of the lens inside your eye. In your youth, this lens is soft and flexible, allowing it to change shape to focus on objects at any distance.

As you age, the lens hardens and loses this ability, making it difficult to see things up close. This is why even people who have had perfect distance vision their entire lives will eventually need reading glasses.

The surgical options available in Tijuana are designed to overcome this focusing problem by either reshaping the cornea or replacing the dysfunctional natural lens with a new, advanced artificial lens.

Option 1: PresbyLASIK (Multifocal LASIK)

This procedure is a popular option for patients who are just beginning to experience significant presbyopia and are not yet developing cataracts.

• How it Works: Using an "all-laser" bladeless technique, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea. The excimer laser then applies a complex pattern to the corneal tissue underneath, creating different refractive zones for different distances.
• Ideal Candidate: Typically a patient between the ages of 40 and 55 who has good overall eye health.
• Cost in Tijuana: The all-inclusive price for PresbyLASIK for both eyes in Tijuana typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 USD.

Option 2: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with Premium IOLs

RLE is often considered the "gold standard" for patients over 50. It not only corrects presbyopia and any pre-existing nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it also permanently prevents cataracts from ever forming in the future. The magic of RLE lies in the choice of premium IOLs. Top clinics in Tijuana offer the full range of FDA-approved premium lenses:

• Trifocal IOLs (e.g., PanOptix): These advanced lenses are designed with concentric rings that provide three distinct focal points for clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, offering the greatest freedom from glasses.
• EDOF IOLs (e.g., Vivity): Extended Depth of Focus lenses provide a continuous, smooth range of high-quality vision from distance to intermediate (computer-length), with fewer instances of glare and halos than trifocals.

The cost of RLE in Tijuana typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 USD per eye, a fraction of the U.S. cost.

How to Find a Qualified Refractive Surgeon in Tijuana

The success of your procedure depends on the surgeon's expertise.

1. Verify Fellowship Training: This is the most important credential. A surgeon who has completed a 1-2 year fellowship in refractive surgery after their ophthalmology residency is a super-specialist in this field. Many top surgeons in Tijuana have completed these fellowships at leading U.S. universities.
2. Choose a 'Center of Excellence': Look for a dedicated eye institute with a global reputation, like the CODET Vision Institute, or the ophthalmology department of a JCI-accredited hospital. These facilities have the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technology.
3. Check for International Memberships: Membership in prestigious U.S. societies like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) or the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) indicates a commitment to the highest global standards.
4. Review their Results: A top surgeon will have a large portfolio of patient testimonials and be transparent about their outcomes.

The decision to restore your near vision is a significant one. Placidway is a global leader in medical access, connecting patients with a network of pre-vetted, high-tech eye clinics and fellowship-trained refractive surgeons in Tijuana. Explore your options and plan your journey to visual freedom with confidence.