Can Laser Eye Surgery Help Ageing Eyes?
As we age naturally, changes in our vision are almost always unavoidable. One of the most common age-related conditions is presbyopia; a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. Most cases will start around the age of 45 and continue to progress into later life, often resulting in a growing dependence on reading glasses.
Many individuals will find more than reading difficult. Blurred distance vision, eye strain, and trouble switching focus between distances are also frequent concerns. Laser eye surgery and other vision correction options give you an opportunity to achieve your vision goals. Many older adults are able to regain clear vision and reduce their reliance on glasses and contact lenses for good.
Understanding the Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Ageing Eyes
Modern laser and lens-based procedures can restore both near and distance vision for complete visual freedom. You may be struggling to read a menu or find switching between multiple pairs of glasses throughout the day tedious. Whatever your reasoning, surgery may be the long-term solution you’re looking for.
If traditional LASIK isn’t suitable, there are other safe alternatives that are perfect for most patients over 40. Treatments are highly customisable based on your unique eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals, and most procedures involve quick recovery times with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
What Are Some Suitable Procedures for Older Adults?
LASIK with Blended Vision
This approach corrects one eye for distance and the other for near vision, allowing your brain to adjust and provide clear vision at multiple ranges. It can be an excellent option for some patients over 45 with healthy eyes and stable prescriptions. With LASIK and SILK, patients experience short recovery times, instant vision improvement, and the opportunity to have both eyes treated on the same day.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
RLE is similar to cataract surgery by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). It’s suitable for people aged 45 and over who are experiencing presbyopia or early signs of cataracts. Multifocal IOLs provide clarity at near, intermediate, and far distances, replacing the dependency on glasses and contacts.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
For patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK, SILK, PRK or RLE, ICL is frequently chosen as a reliable alternative. A small lens is implanted in front of the natural lens, correcting conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism without removing any tissue. ICL is often preferred for patients with dry eyes, thin corneas, or higher prescriptions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Process
Initial Suitability Assessment
Every procedure will begin with a detailed eye examination from a specialist. We will assess your overall eye health, measure your prescription, and consider any lifestyle factors to determine the most appropriate treatment. We’ll also talk about your own vision goals and what we can do to support you in reaching them.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Based on your results, your surgeon will recommend the most suitable procedure. We’ll communicate the benefits and expected outcomes clearly before proceeding, as well as any potential risks that you should be aware of.
Surgical Procedure
Most treatments are completed in-clinic and take just 20 minutes for both eyes. You’ll remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure, with local anaesthetic drops used to numb the eye in all treatments.
Post-operative Care and Recovery
Recovery times vary by procedure, but most patients experience improved vision within days to weeks. Follow-up appointments will always be scheduled to monitor the healing process to ensure your eyes are recovering as expected.
Why Choose NewVision Clinics for Age-Related Vision Correction
Unlike clinics that only offer LASIK, we provide access to a full suite of modern surgical options, ensuring a truly personalised treatment plan. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all—we take the time to understand your goals, health, and lifestyle.
Ready to Discover Which Option is Right for You?
NewVision Clinics is proud to bring over 30 years of experience in both laser and lens-based vision correction. Prof Noel Alpins has supported more than 20,000 patients in transforming their vision and has specialised expertise in treating presbyopia and other age-related conditions.
Book your complimentary consultation with NewVision Clinics today and take the first step toward clearer, more youthful vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I still need reading glasses after surgery?
That depends on the procedure you choose. Treatments like RLE with multifocal lenses or blended vision LASIK are specifically designed to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses with age. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your needs and explain what level of correction you can expect.
How long does vision correction surgery last in older adults?
Most procedures, including RLE and ICL, offer permanent correction for the issues they treat. While natural ageing of the eye may continue, especially in the lens or retina, many patients enjoy decades of improved vision. Procedures like RLE also prevent the future development of cataracts, offering a long-term solution.