If you’ve recently hit your 40s and started holding menus or your phone farther away, you’re not alone. What you’re experiencing is presbyopia—a natural, age-related shift in near vision that affects nearly everyone eventually.
At Belmont Eye Center, we often get asked:
“Can LASIK fix my reading vision now that I’m over 40?”
The answer is: Yes—sometimes. But it depends on your eyes and your lifestyle.
Here’s what you need to know about LASIK after 40, and whether it’s the right solution for your reading vision.
What Causes Reading Vision to Change After 40?
Presbyopia happens when the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible over time, making it harder to focus on close objects. This affects even people who’ve never worn glasses before.
The most common signs include:
-
Needing to hold reading material at arm’s length
-
Eye strain when using screens
-
Difficulty seeing in low light while reading
Can LASIK Treat Presbyopia?
Traditional LASIK does not reverse presbyopia, since it reshapes the cornea—not the aging lens. But newer LASIK techniques and vision correction strategies can help patients over 40 reduce their dependency on reading glasses.
Options include:
1. Monovision LASIK
One eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. While it can take some time to adjust, many patients find this extremely effective for reading and daily activities.
2. Blended Vision (Customized LASIK)
Using advanced wavefront-guided technology, this approach fine-tunes your vision to provide a smoother transition between distances—especially helpful for those with active lifestyles.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK After 40?
You might be a strong candidate if you:
-
Are over 40 with healthy eyes and stable vision
-
Are open to monovision or blended vision techniques
-
Don’t have cataracts or other age-related eye conditions
-
Are looking to reduce dependency on readers, not necessarily eliminate them entirely
The best way to know is to book a personalized consultation.
What Are the Alternatives?
If LASIK isn’t the best fit, there are excellent alternatives for treating presbyopia:
-
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – replaces your natural lens with a custom intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. This can correct both distance and reading vision.
-
Corneal Inlays – small lenses inserted into the cornea to enhance near vision (though less common in 2025).
-
Multifocal or Extended Depth of Focus IOLs – typically used in lens replacement or cataract surgery to correct a full range of vision.
LASIK Over 40: What to Expect
LASIK after 40 is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But with today’s advanced diagnostics and treatment options, it can be a life-changing upgrade—especially if your goal is convenience and freedom from glasses.
At Belmont Eye Center, we take the time to assess your full visual profile and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your age, lifestyle, and vision goals.
Book Your Consultation and Start Seeing Life Clearly
Whether you’re tired of juggling reading glasses or want to explore long-term vision solutions, our team is here to help.
📍 Schedule a comprehensive vision assessment at Belmont Eye Center today.
Let’s find out if LASIK—or another advanced option—is right for your reading vision after 40.
