Will I still need reading glasses after laser vision correction?
Yes. The laser vision procedures known as LASIK and PRK will correct for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism but not presbyopia. Currently there are no FDA approved procedures for correcting presbyopia. Thus, after laser vision correction, most people over 40 will need simple readers to accommodate for the effects of presbyopia.
Some laser surgeons and optometrists will recommend monovision to address the problem to presbyopia. This will correct one eye for distance and the other for near. When monovision works, patients will not require reading glasses, however this should only be attempted after careful consideration and consultation with your eye care professional.
