LASIK does not inherently “mess up” close vision for most people.
However, the impact of LASIK on close vision depends on age, existing eye conditions, and the type of refractive error the procedure is correcting. While LASIK has transformed the lives of millions by offering clearer distance vision, understanding its relationship with close vision is crucial, particularly for those who require reading glasses or are approaching their 40s.
To clarify these concerns, this blog breaks down how LASIK works, its impact on close vision, and what to consider before undergoing the procedure.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a highly popular and effective refractive eye surgery designed to correct poor vision by reshaping the cornea. The cornea is the transparent front part of your eye responsible for bending (refracting) light to focus it onto the retina. For people with refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism, the cornea’s shape misfocuses light, causing blurry vision.
During LASIK surgery, an ophthalmologist uses a precise laser to reshape your cornea, allowing light to correctly focus on your retina. This results in sharper vision and reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
How LASIK Affects Close Vision
While LASIK is primarily aimed at improving distance vision, its effect on close vision can vary depending on the individual’s age and visual needs. Here’s a closer look at how LASIK interacts with close vision:
1. For Younger Individuals
For individuals in their 20s or 30s, LASIK generally does not negatively affect close vision. Young eyes naturally have the flexibility to adjust between distance and close vision due to the elasticity of the lens inside the eye. This process, called accommodation, allows people in this age range to maintain clear close-up vision after LASIK.
If LASIK is performed to correct distance vision for conditions like myopia, close vision usually remains effective. However, for those whose close vision is already compromised due to hyperopia, the surgery may not fully resolve their close-up vision needs without additional corrections.
2. For People Over 40
For adults over 40, the situation becomes more nuanced. Around this age, most people experience presbyopia, a natural, age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses its flexibility. Presbyopia makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, regardless of whether you’ve had LASIK or not.
LASIK reshapes the cornea but does not address the underlying cause of presbyopia, which resides in the lens. Therefore, individuals over 40 who undergo LASIK for distance vision correction may still require reading glasses for close tasks, like reading a book or using a smartphone.
3. Monovision LASIK for Close Vision
For individuals experiencing presbyopia, a customised LASIK option called monovision LASIK may be recommended. This technique corrects one eye (usually the dominant eye) primarily for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Your brain then learns to rely on the appropriate eye for each task.
Monovision LASIK is effective for some people, but it comes with an adjustment period as the brain adapts to the modified visual dynamic. It may not work for everyone, and some patients might find the resulting vision slightly less sharp overall.
Common Myths About LASIK and Close Vision
“LASIK Causes Permanent Problems with Reading”
This is one of the most common misconceptions. LASIK itself doesn’t cause issues with reading or close vision. However, if presbyopia develops later in life—which is unrelated to LASIK—you might need reading glasses regardless of the procedure.
“If I Get LASIK, I’ll Never Need Glasses for Anything”
Another myth is that LASIK eliminates the need for glasses entirely. While the procedure often reduces the need for corrective lenses, it doesn’t prevent natural ageing conditions like presbyopia or cataracts, which may require future visual aids.
“LASIK Ages Your Eyes Faster”
LASIK only affects the cornea and doesn’t accelerate the natural ageing of your eyes. Conditions like presbyopia or cataracts will develop at the same rate as they would without LASIK.
Factors to Consider Before LASIK
If you’re considering LASIK and are concerned about its effects on close vision, here are some questions to ask your ophthalmologist and factors to weigh:
1. Your Age
If you’re under 40 and have no signs of presbyopia, LASIK is unlikely to interfere with your close vision. However, those over 40 might want to discuss options like monovision LASIK or whether reading glasses will still be necessary post-surgery.
2. Your Vision Needs
Consider your daily activities. If you primarily need sharp distance vision, LASIK may be an excellent fit. However, if close vision tasks like reading or sewing take up significant portions of your day, additional solutions (like monovision LASIK) may be required.
3. Pre-existing Conditions
Pre-existing eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or significant hyperopia might influence how LASIK could affect your overall vision. Your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye exam to determine your eligibility.
4. Post-Surgery Adjustments
For presbyopic patients or those seeking monovision, trying contact lenses configured for monovision before surgery can help determine if this approach will work for you.
Benefits of LASIK That Outweigh Close Vision Concerns
LASIK remains a game-changing procedure for millions of people, offering several benefits that often outweigh concerns about close vision:
- Convenience: Reduced dependency on glasses and contact lenses simplifies life.
- Immediate Results: Vision typically improves within 24 hours post-surgery.
- Long-Lasting Effects: For most patients, the results of LASIK last many years, particularly if their prescription has stabilised pre-surgery.
- Customisation: Modern LASIK technology allows precise corrections tailored to individual needs, including monovision for presbyopia.
Alternatives to LASIK for Close Vision Needs
If LASIK isn’t the right fit for your close vision needs, there are alternative solutions to explore:
1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
An alternative laser eye surgery that also corrects refractive errors but may be better suited for certain corneal conditions.
2. Presbyopia-Correcting Cataract Surgery
For those over 50, lens replacement surgery that incorporates multifocal or accommodating lenses can correct presbyopia.
3. Corneal Inlays
Tiny devices are implanted in the cornea to improve near vision and reduce the need for reading glasses.
4. Contact Lenses
Multifocal or monovision contact lenses offer a non-permanent way to balance near and far vision.
Closing Thoughts
LASIK does not inherently harm close vision but understanding how it interacts with your age, lifestyle, and visual needs is essential. While younger patients typically experience no impact on close vision, older patients may need to account for presbyopia or explore tailored options like monovision LASIK.
Ultimately, LASIK is a powerful tool for achieving sharper, more convenient vision, but like any medical procedure, a personalised approach is key. Consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to discuss your vision goals and determine whether LASIK is right for you.
If you’re considering LASIK but still unsure how it might affect your close vision, schedule a consultation with a trusted eye care specialist. The right guidance will set you on the path to clearer, more confident sight.
