Will I Still Need Glasses After Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is one of the most effective ways to reduce your dependence on glasses—but one of the most common questions we hear at Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group is:
“Will I still need glasses after surgery?”

The answer depends on a few key factors: your age, your eyes, and the type of procedure you choose. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

Laser Eye Surgery Often Eliminates the Need for Glasses

Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct common refractive errors including:

Nearsightedness (myopia)
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism

After surgery, most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better for distance and no longer need glasses for activities like driving, watching TV, or playing sports. That said, there are a few exceptions.

What Happens After Age 40?

As we age—typically starting in our mid-40s—the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility. This condition is called presbyopia, and it makes it harder to see things up close (like your phone or a book), even if your distance vision is perfect.

So, even if LASIK or PRK corrects your distance vision, you may still need reading glasses unless you opt for a solution tailored to both distance and near vision.

Solutions to Reduce or Eliminate Reading Glasses

If you want to avoid reading glasses altogether, here are a few surgical options:

Monovision LASIK
This technique corrects one eye for distance and the other for near vision. It can take some time to adjust, but many patients love the result and don’t need readers at all.

Clear Lens Removal (CLR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Ideal for patients over 45, this procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that can correct both distance and near vision. An added benefit? You’ll never get cataracts.

Light-Adjustable Lenses (LALs)
These premium IOLs can be customized after surgery using UV light to fine-tune your vision and reduce dependence on glasses.

We’ll help you determine which option is best based on your lifestyle and goals.

Will I Need Glasses Again Later in Life?

While most patients enjoy many years of excellent vision after surgery, it’s possible that vision may shift with age. If that happens, you may need:

Occasional glasses for reading or night driving
An enhancement or lens upgrade (especially if you had surgery years ago)

This is normal and doesn’t mean your original surgery was unsuccessful—it’s just part of how our eyes continue to change over time.

The Bottom Line

Laser vision correction significantly reduces or eliminates the need for glasses—but whether you’ll be totally glasses-free depends on your eyes, age, and what type of correction you’re looking for.

At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group in Mountain View, CA, we’ve helped thousands of Bay Area patients achieve clear vision with LASIK, PRK, and lens-based solutions. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your eyes.

Call (650) 961-2585 or schedule your consultation online to get started today.