LASIK for Seniors: Is it Too Late for Vision Correction Treatment?

What is the Effect of Aging on Your Vision?

Let us understand the normal functioning of the eye! A natural and flexible lens sits behind the pupil. As the light rays reflected from the objects enter the pupil, this lens focuses them back at the retina and forms an image that we see. With aging, our lens loses its flexibility power which diminishes our vision. Therefore, seniors often depend on reading glasses that help them see better.

How LASIK Surgery Corrects the Refractive Errors?

Before evaluating the safety of LASIK for seniors, let us get a better insight into LASIK for vision correction treatment. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is widely sought by individuals who want a permanent solution for refractive errors like myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism. With advanced laser technology, the entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, and patients experience quick recovery and improved vision within a week.

Are there any Key Factors to Consider Before LASIK?

Aging comes with a decrease in overall eye health and thus, the safety of LASIK heavily relies on your comprehensive eye health assessment. Your ophthalmologist may start by assessing the following elements:

• Cataract: Cataract is a common age-related eye issue that impairs your vision. While LASIK may correct your distant vision, it will not improve the impaired vision due to cataracts.
• Pupil size: Your pupil size decreases with aging, which doesn’t allow enough light to enter the lens, making it more difficult to read in dim light conditions.
• Presbyopia: Ever come across elderly, who cannot see near as well as far objects? While considering LASIK over 60, one must keep in mind that it only corrects distant vision and doesn’t improve near vision. However, monovision LASIK may be another option for patients with presbyopia.
• Corneal Thickness: With aging, the cornea becomes irregular and less elastic which also affects vision in old age.

Complete health analysis: Systemic health like diabetes, hypertension or any autoimmune disorders may influence the healing periods and potential benefits of the treatment. Your ophthalmologist may study your medical history thoroughly to assess the suitability of LASIK.

Wrapping it Up

It is clearly a myth that LASIK is only for young adults to correct refractive vision errors. While the truth is, there’s no definitive upper limit to undergoing vision correction LASIK treatment. For someone above 60 years old who wants freedom from glasses and contact lenses, LASIK is a convenient option for correcting their vision. Looking for an ophthalmologist to consult on eye health assessment before LASIK? Reach out to us at Restivo Laser Vision to evaluate the potential benefits of LASIK with modern laser techniques.