Do people need reading glasses after LASIK?

LASIK corrects distance vision and may not address presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). Patients over 40 may still need reading glasses after LASIK even if their distance vision is perfect.

Key Facts

• LASIK corrects myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism — not presbyopia
• Presbyopia begins naturally around age 40 regardless of LASIK
• Patients under 40 with no presbyopia typically need no glasses post-LASIK
• Monovision LASIK (one eye distance, one eye near) can reduce reading glass need
• Reading glasses post-LASIK are due to aging eyes, not a LASIK failure

Guidelines & Tips

• Discuss monovision or blended vision LASIK if you want to reduce reading glass dependency
• LASIK at age 40+ should include a presbyopia discussion with your surgeon
• Reading glasses post-LASIK are typically very thin (low prescription)
• Modern LASIK with Contoura or SMILE can optimise contrast sensitivity for reading
• Annual eye exams post-LASIK help track presbyopia progression
• Ask your surgeon about PresbyLASIK or LASIK + reading lens options