LASIK surgery has revolutionized vision correction, offering millions of people the opportunity to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, a common concern among potential LASIK candidates is whether they will still need glasses after the procedure, especially for tasks like reading.
Check out the guide below to learn more about the basics of LASIK surgery, including how to set realistic expectations post-LASIK, gauge your need for reading glasses, and recognize the importance of a professional consultation and follow-up care.
The Basics of LASIK Surgery
Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure that corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—to improve how light is focused onto the retina, thereby enhancing vision.
LASIK aims to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by addressing the underlying cause of refractive errors. Success rates for LASIK are generally high, with the majority of patients achieving significant vision improvements.
Realistic Expectations Post-LASIK
While LASIK can greatly improve vision, patients should have realistic expectations about the potential outcome. Despite its effectiveness, LASIK does not guarantee perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses. Factors such as age, pre-existing eye conditions, and the severity of the refractive error can influence the results of the procedure. While many patients experience a significant reduction in their dependency on glasses, some may still require them for certain activities or under specific circumstances.
Do You Need Reading Glasses After LASIK?
One common concern among individuals considering LASIK is getting glasses after LASIK and whether the procedure can correct presbyopia—the age-related decline in near vision. While LASIK can address refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, it doesn’t typically correct presbyopia. As a result, individuals may still need reading glasses for tasks that require clear near vision, such as reading or using a computer, even after LASIK.
Some patients may opt for monovision LASIK, when one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, to reduce their need for reading glasses. There are many reasons why you may need glasses after eye surgery.
TL;DR
- Presbyopia: LASIK does not typically correct presbyopia, the age-related decline in near vision.
- Near Vision Tasks: Individuals may still need reading glasses for tasks that require clear near vision, such as reading or using a computer.
- Monovision LASIK: Some patients may opt for monovision LASIK, where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, to reduce their need for reading glasses.
Consultation and Follow-Up Care
Before undergoing LASIK surgery, individuals must undergo a comprehensive preoperative evaluation with an experienced eye care professional. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s candidate for LASIK, discuss their expectations and goals, discern if they will need glasses after LASIK, and address any concerns or questions they may have.
Following the procedure, patients must attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any residual vision issues. Post-operative care plays a vital role in optimizing the results of LASIK and ensuring the long-term health of the eyes.
See If You Qualify for LASIK
LASIK surgery presents the opportunity to achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While LASIK can significantly improve vision, it may not completely eliminate the need for glasses, especially for tasks like reading.
By consulting with an experienced eye care professional and understanding the limitations of LASIK, individuals can make informed decisions about their vision correction options. To learn more about LASIK and determine if you’re a candidate, take our LASIK candidate quiz or schedule a consultation.
