LASIK and Reading Glasses

A very common question we hear at Rochester Eye and Laser Center is, “Can LASIK vision correction eliminate the need for reading glasses?” The answer is “yes” and “no.”

Let’s start by examining LASIK, which patients choose to correct a refractive error that they have lived with their entire life, or which has been acquired in later years. Such vision challenges include:

• Blurry distance vision, called myopia or nearsightedness
• Blurry close-in vision, called hyperopia or farsightedness
• Blurry vision at all distance, called astigmatism

And once we hit our 40s, most of us start noticing a different condition, presbyopia, which can begin to affect our up-close vision. It’s a function of aging, occurring as the eye lenses start to lose flexibility. The resulting presbyopia makes it difficult to focus on things close-up (which is why we all try to make our arms longer as we struggle to see!) Fortunately, inexpensive over-the-counter reading glasses, available in various strengths, can help accommodate this change in vision, as can prescription reading glasses from your eye doctor.

To be clear, LASIK does not correct presbyopia. The LASIK procedure slightly reshapes the cornea to allow light to properly focus on the retina (the back of the eye) to improve vision. Since presbyopia is not caused by the shape of the cornea, LASIK does not correct it.

However, there is another possibility – monovision LASIK.

Monovision LASIK provides clear distance vision in one eye and clear up-close vision in the other, creating clear vision at all distances. Contact lenses may be prescribed before you have this type of procedure so you will have time to adjust to a new sight pattern.

So if using reading glasses is not part of your ideal scene for whatever reason – vanity, convenience, or efficiency – monovision LASIK or other options may be the answer. We are happy to discuss the best option for you. Contact Rochester Eye & Laser Center today to schedule a free LASIK Consultation to discuss what’s best for you. Call 585-232-2560, or schedule your appointment online. Let us help guide you to the vision you want!