Explore your options for managing reading vision in Adelaide

Learn about treatments such as PRESBYOND, PresbyMAX®, lens replacement and the Allotex® inlay, which Dr Aanchal Gupta was among the first to perform

Man sat in Kitchen reading newspaper

Explore your options for managing reading vision in Adelaide

Learn about treatments such as PRESBYOND, PresbyMAX®, lens replacement and the Allotex® inlay, which Dr Aanchal Gupta was among the first to perform

Compare your options for life without reading glasses

See how PRESBYOND, PresbyMAX, Multifocal IOLs, Allotex® Inlay, and Presbyopia ICLs stack up—so you can choose what’s right for your eyes and your lifestyle
Treatment How it works Ideal for Possible advantages Considerations
PresbyMAX®/ PRESBYOND Laser reshapes cornea to improve near and distance vision People over 45 with good distance vision who want to reduce near vision dependence Minimally invasive, quick recovery, preserves natural lens May cause glare or halos, results may change with age
Multifocal IOLs Natural lens is replaced with a multifocal implant People with early cataracts or those wanting long-term correction Treats cataracts, some patients find it improves near and distance vision, long-lasting Surgical risks (e.g. infection, retinal detachment), adaptation period
Allotex® Inlay Thin inlay implanted into cornea to enhance near vision Patients with stable vision and healthy corneas Reversible, preserves the natural lens and distance vision, minimally invasive May cause haze, not suitable for all eye shapes
Presbyopia ICL EVO Viva™️ (coming soon) Implantable lens added without removing natural lens Those not suitable for laser or early cataract surgery Preserves natural lens, potentially reversible, long-term solution Still in early use, carries similar surgical risks to lens implants

Discover if you can say hello to a life without reading glasses in Adelaide

Explore whether lens replacement surgery could reduce your dependence on glasses. Book a free assessment today to see if you’re a suitable candidate:

With modern eye treatments, many patients could enjoy life without reading glasses

Your guide to treatment options for age-related near-vision changes

Reading glasses treatment suitability criteria

You may be suitable for reading glasses treatment if you are over 45, rely on reading glasses, and have healthy eyes.

PresbyMAX and PRESBYOND are laser procedures suited to those who want to improve both distance and near vision.

Multifocal lens replacement is ideal if you also have early lens changes or want a longer-lasting solution.

The Allotex® inlay suits those with healthy corneas and good distance vision but want to improve their near vision.

Presbyopia ICL EVO Viva™️ (coming soon) may help patients not suitable for laser eye surgery.

A full assessment is needed to check your eye health, lifestyle needs, and suitability for each option.

PresbyMAX / PRESBYOND use specialised lasers to reshape the cornea, improving both distance and near vision. This is achieved through a process called blended vision where one eye is distance vision dominant and the other eye is near vision dominant.

Lens replacement involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a multifocal lens implant. This provides a broader range of vision.

The Allotex® inlay is a tiny, biocompatible implant placed into the cornea to help focus near objects whilst preserving distance vision.

The Presbyopia ICL EVO Viva™️, when available, will be a lens added inside the eye without removing your natural lens.

Each method is designed to improve near vision and reduce the need for glasses. We tailor your treatment to your eyes, needs, and goals.

There are several approaches used to manage age-related near-vision changes. Each option works in a different way, and your clinician will explain which treatments may be suitable for your eyes.

  • PresbyMAX® and PRESBYOND are laser-based procedures designed to address near-vision changes in suitable candidates. Some people appreciate the short treatment time. Recovery experiences vary from person to person.
  • Lens replacement removes the natural lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. It can be used to address near-vision symptoms and may also be an option when early lens changes or cataracts are present.
  • The Allotex® inlay is placed in the cornea and can be removed if needed. It may be considered for people who want an option that aims to support near vision while maintaining distance vision, depending on individual circumstances.

Important considerations

Each treatment has potential benefits and limitations. Some people may notice visual effects such as glare or halos, or find that it takes time to adapt. Lens replacement carries risks including infection or retinal complications.

Not everyone becomes less reliant on glasses, and experiences vary widely across all treatment types.

We take time to explain the pros and cons of each option so you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your visual needs and lifestyle.

Every procedure has some risk. With PresbyMAX and PRESBYOND, you might experience glare, dry eye or temporary blur. These are usually mild and settle with time.

Lens replacement may carry a risk of infection, retinal detachment, or needing further adjustment.

The Allotex® inlay may cause haze or need removal if healing isn’t ideal.

Presbyopia ICL EVO Viva™️, once available, may have similar risks to lens implants.

We screen carefully to minimise risk and only recommend treatment when we believe it is safe for you.

All procedures are optional and based on your needs, preferences, and medical suitability. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

If surgery isn’t right for you, there are other options. Multifocal contact lenses may help. Some patients try glasses with progressive lenses. Low-dose reading glasses may still be the simplest solution for some.

We’ll talk through all your options and help you decide what feels right. Surgery isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay, we’re here to help you find what works best for your life and vision needs.

Your journey starts with a detailed eye exam. We check your vision, eye health, and lifestyle needs. If you’re suitable, we’ll recommend a procedure that fits you—PresbyMAX, PRESBYOND, lens replacement, Allotex® inlay, or Presbyopia ICL EVO Viva™️ (when available).

On the day of treatment, you’ll be awake but comfortable. The procedure takes around 10–30 minutes. You’ll go home the same day.

Vision improves over the next few days or weeks. We’ll see you for regular checks to ensure you’re healing well and getting the results you want.

PresbyMAX® and PRESBYOND are designed to address changes in near vision and may also influence intermediate and distance vision. Recovery times differ from person to person, and your clinician will explain what you may expect.

Lens replacement removes the natural lens and may be considered when presbyopia or early lens changes are present. Your outcomes depend on your eye health and the type of intraocular lens selected.

This lens-based option may be considered for people who are not suitable candidates for corneal laser procedures. Suitability will depend on individual measurements and overall eye health.

Some people may still choose to use glasses for certain tasks, especially in low light or when fine detail is needed. Your treatment plan will focus on supporting clarity and comfort based on your goals and clinical findings.

Take this quick quiz to see if you could be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for reading glasses treatment. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz:

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon