A frequent question we receive at Rochester Eye & Laser Center is, “Can LASIK vision correction eliminate the need for reading glasses?” The answer is both yes and no.

Let’s begin by reviewing what LASIK corrects. LASIK is most commonly chosen by patients to address refractive errors that impact their vision, either from childhood or developed over time. These conditions include:

- Myopia (nearsightedness): blurry distance vision

- Hyperopia (farsightedness): blurry near vision

- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision at all distances

NO! Many patients are opting for Clear Lens Exchange. 

Clear Lens Exchange, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), involves replacing the eye’s clear, natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. This advanced procedure sharpens both near and distance vision, often reducing or completely eliminating your need for reading glasses or bifocals. One significant advantage is that, if you have not yet developed a cataract, you will not develop one in the future after lens replacement.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery has Revolutionized the Procedure

Traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery can both be effective for removing cataracts when performed by a skilled surgeon. In fact, 95% of patients who undergo cataract surgery report improvement in their vision after their surgery. But, for a procedure that's performed in a space as small as the human eye, there may be room for enhanced precision, predictability, and surgical outcomes.  This is why Ophthalmologist, Kenneth Lindahl, offers the LenSx® Laser to his cataract patients.