What’s Too Old For Laser Eye Surgery?

Are you the right candidate for refractive eye surgery?

Am I too old for LASIK surgery? It’s a question you might ask yourself once you get past 50, but the answer seems to be. It depends. That is the consensus of doctors who perform the procedure. If you’re certain for laser eye surgery is for you, then you might want to check out somewhere like Optimax as they could be the ones to ensure that you have perfect vision once again.

We asked Clifford L. Salinger, MD of V.I.P. Laser Eye Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Here is what he told us.

Refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK are some of the safest medical procedures available today and millions of people enjoy great vision after their procedure. However, refractive surgery is not for everyone and there are several factors that should be considered before moving forward with surgery, especially for Baby Boomers.

LASIK, or “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis,” is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery to treat common vision problems. The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea, so light entering the eye will focus properly for clearer vision. LASIK eye surgery is usually pain-free and completed within a few minutes. Improved vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses can usually be seen in as little as 24 hours.

After 20 years performing laser eye surgery, I have recently seen an uptick in Baby Boomer patients who are interested in moving forward with refractive surgery. I’ve found that this segment of the population has a strong interest in staying active and doesn’t want glasses to hold them back. In addition, many feel that getting rid of their glasses will help them feel more youthful.

Here are the top five guidelines for Baby Boomers that will help your doctor determine if you’re the right candidate for LASIK surgery:

1. Your vision has been stable for at least one year. If there has been a significant change in your eyesight recently, you may not be the right candidate for refractive surgery.
2. You have no history of corneal disease or associated symptoms. Several refractive surgeons, including myself, use a new test to detect genetic mutations that can cause complications after LASIK surgery. The Avellino DNA Test for LASIK Safety detects two of the most common Corneal Dystrophies: Granular Corneal Dystrophy type I (GCD1) and Granular Corneal Dystrophy type 2 (GCD2), also known as Avellino Corneal Dystrophy. If you are considering refractive surgery, you should definitely be tested to eliminate the risk of developing earlier onset and more progressive GCD post-operatively.
3. You do not have significant medical or eye problems, such as previous corneal ulcers, keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. Your clinician will also likely ask about your family history to further evaluate any potential risk factors for “hidden” eye health concerns.
4. Your eyeglass prescription is within certain limits set by your eye surgeon and the FDA. Due to increased risk of vision glare, halos and decreased night vision, your pupils should not be larger than 8.5mm in the dark.
5. You expect improved vision as a result of the LASIK procedure, although you may still warrant eyeglasses in certain situations. Due to limitations in certain aspects of vision, you may still warrant glasses or contact lenses after surgery for certain activities. Be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Be sure to choose a surgeon who is comfortable and experienced with several procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, and PRK. Especially for the aging population, one size does not fit all in refractive surgery so it’s important to find someone who can select the procedure that best fits your particular vision needs. In addition, you will be in better hands if your surgeon is up-to-date with the latest technology and testing modalities for laser eye surgery. Licensing, board certification, American Academy of Ophthalmology membership are all helpful markers for a great refractive surgeon.

For more information about refractive surgery safety, including important questions to ask your doctor, download a free LASIK Safety Guide from Avellino Lab USA online here.

Tags: laser eye surgery

Category: Wellness