Freedom from glasses starts here.
Can laser eye surgery help get rid of your reading glasses? Absolutely! If you are seeking a solution to your presbyopia or reading vision problems, discover how PresbyMAX can help you achieve visual freedom from reading glasses.
From around 45 years of age, the near vision of almost all people distinctly declines. This is not caused by any sort of visual defect, but rather a perfectly natural, age-related process whereby the lens of the eye loses mobility. For that reason, the eye becomes unable to adjust clearly to different distances. Blurred vision, especially at close range, is the result.
For the treatment of presbyopia – the medical term for this age-related long-sightedness – alternatives to reading or multifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses or intraocular lenses are now available.
PresbyMAX is a minimally invasive laser treatment for presbyopia performed using technologically advanced SCHWIND AMARIS eye laser systems. The treatment is completed in just a few minutes, and the actual laser ablation takes only seconds. Rapid laser pulses gently model the cornea with high precision.
Several different treatment variants are possible with the PresbyMAX procedure. Your specialist will advise you about the variant which suits you best.
Unlike conventional LASIK treatment, multiple precisely calculated focal points are created in the eye – similar to the principle applied in multifocal contact or intraocular lenses. The cornea is modelled at the centre for near vision and towards the periphery for distant vision. This results in a good depth of field and high quality vision at all distances. Visual acuity typically improves rapidly, especially at near distance. Adaptation to the new visual impression usually takes slightly longer than after conventional LASIK treatment.
Schematic diagram and cross-section of the cornea after a PresbyMAX treatment. The near zone typically makes it possible to read without corrective lenses. The intermediate zone favours good vision at medium distances, e.g. at a computer workstation. The distant zone provides for good vision at greater distances. The transition zone contributes to the stability of the treatment result.
To find out if PresbyMAX is suitable for you, book a consultation at City Eye Surgeonstoday
Because we customize the PresbyMAX treatment to each patient, you will have to attend a detailed eye examination to assess your suitability.
At this appointment, the degree and nature of your refractive error, curvature and thickness of the cornea, and other diagnostic data are assessed. We will also ask you questions about your job, hobbies, vision requirements and expectations of the treatment that may affect the decision to proceed. You will meet your specialist to discuss your suitability and a bespoke treatment plan will be customized for you.
You can generally read the newspaper without glasses again only a few hours after the treatment. Good intermediate and distant vision typically sets in within a week. Further improvement in quality of vision and full adjustment to multifocal sight are generally complete after several weeks.
PresbyMAX is one of several ways to manage presbyopia. The best option depends on your eyes, your goals, and how you feel about different trade-offs.
Reading glasses are simple and predictable, and they do not involve surgery, but they can be inconvenient if you switch between tasks often. Multifocal contact lenses can reduce glasses dependence, but not everyone tolerates them, and dryness can limit comfort.
Monovision laser usually sets one eye for distance and the other for near. PresbyMAX aims to create a broader range of focus through a multifocal corneal profile and may be planned with blended elements depending on your needs. Monovision is still a useful strategy for some patients, and it is explained further on monovision.
Lens-based options can include refractive lens exchange or cataract-style surgery with certain lens types. These options are more commonly considered as people get older, or when lens changes are already present. If you are comparing pathways, refractive lens exchange outlines how lens replacement differs from corneal laser correction, including the long-term considerations.
Safe outcomes rely on detailed testing, especially corneal mapping, tear film assessment, and careful planning around pupil size and night vision needs.
PresbyMAX works best when the plan is built around your visual priorities and your eyes’ measurements. That includes clear discussion of trade-offs, not just the potential benefits.
Book a PresbyMAX Consultation in Melbourne
Not always. Many people reduce their reliance on reading glasses for everyday tasks, but some still need glasses for very small print, prolonged reading, or low-light situations.
The treatment involves creating bi-aspheric multifocal ablation profiles that extend the depth of focus for all distances in the eye – like the principle of multifocal contact or intraocular lenses.
The goal of PresbyMAX treatment is to achieve vision without glasses for day-to-day activities. In poor light, glasses can be advantageous for reading.
It is sensible to repeat treatment if, after laser treatment, the presbyopia continues to progress and you require reading glasses once again. Your specialist will make the final decision after a thorough examination.
Presbyopia can be treated with PresbyMAX laser eye surgery, LASIK/PRK with monovision, or refractive lens exchange/cataract surgery with multifocal lenses.
In some cases, enhancement may be discussed if the eyes have healed fully and the prescription is stable. Whether it is appropriate depends on corneal measurements, visual goals, and the reason for the change.
Freedom from glasses starts here.
Key suitability checks
Your consultation focuses on measurements and lifestyle needs, including:
When PresbyMAX may not be recommended
PresbyMAX may not be recommended if you have:
If corneal stability is a concern, your specialist may discuss non-laser pathways, or stabilisation options such as corneal cross linking when clinically appropriate.
PresbyMAX planning is personalised. The goal is to balance range of vision with visual clarity, based on what matters most to you.
Some PresbyMAX plans use a blended approach between the eyes. This means vision can be balanced so that one eye supports near tasks slightly more while the other supports distance slightly more, while still aiming for comfortable binocular vision overall. The exact balance depends on your daily tasks and your tolerance for mild compromise at one end of the range.
Hybrid profiles are designed to balance range of vision with visual quality. Rather than applying a standard pattern, the treatment can be planned to suit your prescription, corneal measurements, pupil size, and your visual priorities, including night driving and screen work.
PresbyMAX suitability is decided through a structured assessment. This is where your surgeon confirms safety, discusses realistic outcomes, and matches the plan to your lifestyle.
Your consultation commonly includes:
Contact lenses can temporarily alter corneal shape, especially rigid lenses. A contact lens break helps ensure the scans reflect your natural cornea, which is essential for safe planning. Our clinic will provide the right timeframe based on your lens type and wearing pattern.
This is where you define what you want your vision to do. Your surgeon will usually ask about “must-have” tasks such as reading a menu, using a computer, driving at night, or seeing dashboard and phone clearly. You will also discuss whether you are comfortable with a small compromise in crisp distance vision in exchange for better near and intermediate function.
Step-by-step overview
How long It takes
Comfort during the procedure
First week
Vision stabilisation over weeks to months
Follow-up schedule
The main goal: Better range of vision
Visual quality and trade-offs
Long-term considerations
PresbyMAX vs monovision Laser
PresbyMAX vs lens-based options
Rediscover clearer vision
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Phone: (03) 9070 0955
Fax: (03) 9978 9426
E-mail: info@cityeyesurgeons.com.au
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