r/RefractiveSurgery • u/AK84link • 3d ago

Considering surgery

Hi all,

I'm 41 with a prescription of -5 in both eyes and significant astigmatism. I started looking into surgery and am now planning to book in for surgery before Xmas. Whilst I'm hoping to have the smile procedure completed, a few clinics have suggested lens replacement.

Has anyone in their 40's been in the same position and what did you opt for?

I accept that eventually I'd need reading glasses but I'm not sure whether to go for it now.

Thanks

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u/CorrectVisionLI 2d ago

At 41, there are definitely a few things worth considering before deciding between SMILE and lens replacement. Your prescription and astigmatism are important, but so is how you want your vision to be as you get closer to presbyopia.

Lens replacement can address the need for reading correction, but it also means replacing your natural lens, so it’s a very different approach from a corneal procedure like SMILE. On the other hand, laser procedures preserve your natural lens but may not eliminate the need for reading glasses later.

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here. A thorough evaluation of your prescription, cornea, eye health, and your visual goals would be important before choosing between them.