Will I Need Glasses After LASIK?

by Dr. Ronald Allen, M.D.

A common question we get asked by patients is, “Will I Need Glasses After LASIK?” Dr. Ron Allen, a LASIK.com network surgeon who performs Modern LASIK, PRK, and monovision refractive surgery in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas provides a detailed answer to that question.

Understanding LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive surgery designed to correct common vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and even astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

Immediate Post-Surgery Vision

Most patients experience significant improvement in their vision immediately after LASIK surgery. And within days, many achieve 20/20 vision or better, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses for most daily activities. However, it’s important to note that healing and vision stabilization can take several weeks to a few months.

Long-Term Vision After LASIK

Age-Related Changes:
- As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes. Presbyopia, a condition that affects up-close reading vision due to the loss of flexibility of the lens within the eye, typically begins around or after the age of 40. This means that even if you have perfect distance vision post-LASIK, you might still need reading glasses for close-up tasks like reading or sewing as you get older. If you are experiencing presyopic vision, our medical team can talk to you about options, such as Monovision LASIK so reading glasses may not be required either.
Vision Fluctuations:
- Some patients may experience minor vision fluctuations over time. These are usually due to natural changes in the eye rather than the LASIK procedure itself. In such cases, an enhancement procedure might be recommended. LasikPlus offers a Lifetime Advantage Plan where medically-safe “touch up” procedures are covered without any charge to you and in any of our centers across the country, so you are protected should you even move.

While LASIK surgery significantly reduces dependence on glasses, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never need them due to age-related changes, minor residual refractive errors, and natural vision fluctuations can necessitate the occasional use of glasses. However, for the vast majority of patients, LASIK offers a dramatic improvement in vision and quality of life.

At LasikPlus, we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your vision correction options. Schedule your FREE LASIK consultation with us today and get started our Your LASIK Journey.