Peut-on vraiment se passer de lunettes de lecture ?

L'objectif est de réduire fortement la dépendance aux lunettes. Le résultat dépend de la technique choisie et de votre œil ; il ne peut être garanti à l'avance.

Laser ou implant pour la presbytie ?

Avant 50–55 ans avec un cristallin encore souple, le laser peut suffire ; plus tard, ou pour de fortes corrections, l'implant multifocal est souvent plus adapté.

La presbytie continue-t-elle d'évoluer après ?

Avec un implant, la vision de près est stabilisée. Après une correction au laser réalisée avant que le cristallin ne change, la presbytie peut continuer d'évoluer avec l'âge.

Presbyopia: understanding and correcting it

Name: Presbytie
Creator: Pr Eric E. Gabison

Presbyopia is the natural evolution of near vision from around age 45: the crystalline lens gradually loses its flexibility and its ability to focus at close range. Several solutions can reduce the need for reading glasses.

From around age 45Laser (micro-monovision)Multifocal · EDOF implantsTailored approach

⬇ Download this fact sheet (PDF)

What is presbyopia?

The crystalline lens changes shape to focus on nearby objects (accommodation). With age, it gradually loses its flexibility: reading up close becomes difficult, texts get held further away, and more light is needed. This is a normal, universal phenomenon, independent of other visual defects.

Correcting presbyopia with laser

In some patients, laser surgery (LASIK) allows a micro-monovision strategy: one eye is optimized for distance vision, the other slightly for near vision, with the brain combining the two. This approach is tested and discussed beforehand.

Correcting presbyopia with a lens implant

When the crystalline lens begins to change, replacing it with a multifocal or EDOF implant — during a lens exchange or cataract surgery — can restore both near and distance vision, with less reliance on glasses.

Choosing the right strategy

There is no single solution: the right choice depends on age, the condition of the crystalline lens, any associated correction needed (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism) and your visual priorities. The assessment helps define the best option.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really do without reading glasses?

The goal is to greatly reduce dependence on glasses. The outcome depends on the technique chosen and on your eye; it cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Laser or implant for presbyopia?

Before age 50–55, when the crystalline lens is still flexible, laser surgery may be enough; later, or for stronger corrections, a multifocal implant is often more suitable.

Does presbyopia keep progressing afterwards?

With an implant, near vision is stabilized. After a laser correction performed before the crystalline lens changes, presbyopia can continue to progress with age.

Before you decide

All questions →

Reading glasses every day?

An assessment defines the strategy best suited to your presbyopia.

Book an appointment

This page is for general information purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. The indication and technique are always individualized after a complete assessment. Pr Eric E. Gabison — corneal and refractive surgery, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris.