LASIK is a laser procedure that can improve or correct several vision problems. It’s also something that a higher number of people over age 50 are choosing—but is it possible to be too old for LASIK? Read on for the answer.
What Conditions Can LASIK Correct?
Laser vision correction is chosen by those with astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. The results will differ for everyone, but, in most cases, eligible candidates will often be able to get rid of their regular or reading glasses.
Can Age Make You Ineligible?
Yes and no. While there is currently no age limit for older adults wanting LASIK surgery, there are some vision conditions affecting adults age 40 and above that can’t be treated with this surgery. These conditions are:
- Presbyopia or blurry near vision typically occurring around age 40
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eye syndrome
- Large pupil size
- Severe refractive error
- Excessively thick or thin corneas
What Other Factors Can Make You Ineligible?
In addition to the vision conditions that can render you ineligible for LASIK, you may also be ineligible if you:
- Have conditions like diabetes or an autoimmune disorder which can affect your ability to heal from the surgery
- Don’t have a stable vision prescription for at least one year before you have surgery
- Are pregnant, as a woman’s vision fluctuates during this time and will render you ineligible
- Smoke, which increases the risk of complications post-procedure and negatively affects your healing ability
- Have a prior history of untreated eye infections or injury
- Take certain medications with side effects that increase your risk during surgery and increase the likelihood of post-surgery complications
It’s true that many factors and medical conditions may make you ineligible for LASIK. However, having good eye health and a stable prescription can be enough to make you a candidate, even if you’re 60, 70, or 80.
Will You Need LASIK More Than Once?
Typically, only one surgery is necessary, This is because LASIK eye surgery makes changes to your cornea that are permanent. However, it cannot stop your eyes from aging or from existing eye conditions like near or farsightedness from advancing.
That being said, it’s possible to undergo a second laser surgery if you’ve been assessed and deemed to have healthy eyes.
What’s Involved with the Procedure?
LASIK is a generally painless procedure that typically takes under 10 minutes per eye to perform. You may feel pressure on your eye while the laser is applied, but this minimal discomfort only lasts for between 30 and 60 seconds.
Right after the procedure, you’ll likely experience hazy or blurred vision for a short time. However, this will resolve itself quickly with the healing of your cornea, which begins immediately following the end of the procedure.
In the several hours following the procedure, your eyes may feel itchy or otherwise uncomfortable. These are common symptoms associated with the normal healing process.
What Results Can You Expect from LASIK?
As stated previously, individual results from laser eye surgery will vary based on several factors. The procedure won’t work on every person, nor can it be guaranteed that your vision will be 20/20 after LASIK.
Get More Information About LASIK Vision Correction
LASIK surgery may only take minutes to complete, but you can enjoy the results for years. Eye surgeons Dr. Adam Abroms and Dr. Paul Dougherty of ADV Vision Centers possess decades of combined experience. They’ve performed thousands of vision corrections for patients at their Paso Robles, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo locations.
If you’re ready to take your first step toward better vision, visit the ADV Vision Centers website today and claim your free consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. Call 805-987-5300 or text 818-874-3048 to schedule an appointment!