LASIK vs. Reading glasses: Which is better after 40?

If you’re over 40, you may have noticed that reading menus, phone screens, and books is getting harder. This is called presbyopia, and it happens to everyone eventually.

At this stage, many people grab a pair of reading glasses. Others think about LASIK to get rid of glasses altogether. But here’s something you might not know:

If you’re over 40, the best option for long-term clear vision may not be LASIK at all, it may be lens replacement surgery.

Why LASIK may not be enough after 40

LASIK is great for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But LASIK doesn’t treat presbyopia, which is caused by the natural lens inside your eye getting stiffer with age.

This means:

• LASIK can correct your distance vision, but you’ll probably still need reading glasses for up-close tasks.
• As you get older, you may also develop cataracts, which LASIK can’t fix.

Option 1: Reading glasses

Reading glasses are the most common solution. They’re easy to buy and inexpensive, but they can also be inconvenient:

• You have to carry them everywhere
• They fog up or get smudged
• You’re constantly putting them on and taking them off
• Many people don’t like how they look or feel wearing them.

Option 2: LASIK

LASIK can still be a good choice if your main goal is to eliminate glasses for driving or distance vision. But you’ll likely still need reading glasses and LASIK won’t prevent cataracts from forming later.

Option 3: Lens replacement surgery

Lens replacement, also called refractive lens exchange (RLE), is often the best solution for people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who want long-term clear vision.

This procedure replaces your eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial lens. The new lens is chosen to correct your distance vision, astigmatism, and even presbyopia -giving you a full range of vision from far away to up close.

Benefits of lens replacement

• Treats presbyopia: Reduces or eliminates the need for reading glasses
• Prevents cataracts: You’ll never develop cataracts in the future because the natural lens is removed
• Long-lasting results: The new lens never changes, so your results are permanent
• Customized to you: Different types of lenses are available to match your lifestyle and vision goals

Who is a good candidate?

Lens replacement may be right for you if:

• You are 40 or older and starting to need reading glasses
• You have a stable prescription
• You want a permanent solution to both distance and near vision problems
• You’d like to avoid cataract surgery later in life.

What about recovery?

Recovery from lens replacement is quick. Most people notice clearer vision within a day or two and return to normal activities shortly after. You may use drops for a few weeks while the eye heals.

The bottom line

If you’re over 40, LASIK may not address your near vision needs. Reading glasses can work, but they’re inconvenient.

Lens replacement surgery can be the best long-term option because it corrects your vision at all distances and prevents cataracts in the future.

Take the First Step

Wondering if lens replacement is right for you? Start with our quick vision correction self-test to see if you’re a candidate.