One of the most common questions I get about LASIK eye surgery is whether the procedure can be considered for older people. The truth is LASIK candidacy is the same for seniors as it is for anyone else. If you have a stable vision prescription, healthy eyes, and are in good overall health, then chances are you will be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
It is true that our eyes and visual needs often change as we get older, so there are a few special considerations to deliberate when thinking about laser eye surgery later in life.
The only age limit for LASIK, according to the FDA, is that the person be at least 18 years of age. The most common range for LASIK patients is between 20 and 45 years old, although Shah Eye Center has worked with patients much older. Vision prescriptions often stabilize by the mid-twenties, so this is a time many people consider having LASIK eye surgery.
The next biggest group is the 45 to 55-year age range. This is when many people begin to experience the early effects of presbyopia, which is related to the natural aging process and causes difficulty with near vision. LASIK is a common treatment option for some presbyopia patients, while others can be fitted with monovision contact lenses.
After age 55, cataracts may start to develop. If that’s the case, cataract extraction surgery is the preferred method of treatment to improve your vision instead of LASIK eye surgery. If cataracts are present, Shah Eye Center will not perform the LASIK procedure on that person. Also, a very important aspect of LASIK for older eyes is the expectations of the results of LASIK. In fact, this goes for all LASIK patients. If a candidate’s expectations exceed what LASIK can actually provide, then Shah Eye Center will not perform the procedure.
The basics for LASIK candidacy include a stable vision prescription for at least two years, no eye diseases, and good overall health. If you have those things, then you’re probably an excellent LASIK candidate.
Being in good overall health doesn’t mean you have to be in perfect health, and not every senior health issue impacts the eyes. A consultation with the LASIK specialists at Shah Eye Center is the best way to learn how laser eye surgery fits in with various health needs.
