Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

LASIK laser vision correction is the single most popular elective surgery in the world, and since it was first approved by the FDA back in 1999, it’s estimated that more than 10 million Americans have had the procedure. Today, around 700k U.S. adults have the procedure every year so that they can see clearly with little or no need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK works by using laser technology to treat the cornea, which is the clear dome covering the front part of the eye that refracts the light entering the eyes so that the brain interprets it properly. LASIK is considered extremely effective, safe, and successful.

Most people are aware that there is a minimum age limit for LASIK, which is 18 years old. However, if you are much older, you may be wondering if it’s too late for you to also reap the benefits of LASIK laser vision correction surgery.

You’ll be pleased to know that technically, there is no upper age limit when it comes to LASIK. Instead of your age, your candidacy for treatment will be based on a number of other factors.

Requirements For LASIK

  • Your vision must be stable, with your prescription remaining the same for at least 12 months or more
  • Your eyes must be in good health, with no active eye diseases like conjunctivitis, keratoconus, or moderate to advanced cataracts
  • Your corneal thickness and smoothness will need to be assessed. If your cornea is very thin or the surface is an irregular texture, LASIK may not be the right type of laser vision correction for you
  • Your refractive prescription must fall within the specific parameters set out by your LASIK surgeon. This is important because if your prescription is too high, laser vision correction may be unsuitable
  • Good general health

Important Information About LASIK In Older Patients

As we get older, the natural lens of the eye begins to change, becoming harder and less flexible than it was before. In younger people, the lens alters shape quickly and easily to enable us to focus clearly on objects at different distances. However, this ability becomes impaired as we get older, and it becomes much more difficult for us to focus on nearby objects, such as books or screens. This condition is known as presbyopia and usually starts around the age of 40.

Unfortunately, presbyopia is unavoidable, and if you choose to have LASIK, you may find that you still need to use reading glasses in your senior years. Alternatively, you may wish to ask your LASIK surgeon about a different LASIK technique called monovision. This is where one eye is surgically corrected for near vision and the other for distance. After a short period of adjustment, the eyes and brain can work together to create clear images at both distances.

If you are interested in living life without prescription eyewear and would like more information about LASIK laser vision correction in Edison, NJ, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team at Manhattan LASIK Center at (212) 759-9617 by scheduling a FREE virtual consultation!