Whether or not you needed eyeglasses or contacts when you were younger, know that when you reach age 45 or so, most people gradually begin losing their ability to read clearly or focus on near objects. This is called presbyopia and is just part of the natural aging process. As we grow older, our natural lens becomes hardened and loses its flexibility to change shape which causes patients to struggle with close up vision. Unfortunately, if you’re middle aged and want to see clearly in the distance LASIK will not prevent presbyopia and the need for readers.