LASIK and Aging Edison

LASIK procedures like those performed by the ophthalmologists at Patel Eye Associates in Edison, New Jersey, are more popular than ever before. In fact, this is one of the most common elective surgeries in the U.S. today.

But what is the right age for LASIK surgery? And how will your eyes change as you age after surgery?

The LASIK surgeons at Patel Eye Associates in Edison and Kendall Park have performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures and can help you determine whether or not LASIK is right for you. Please contact us online or call 732.985.5009 to schedule your vision consultation.

What is the best age for LASIK?

There is no one best age for LASIK surgery, as everyone is different. However, LASIK is almost never performed on children because their eyes continue to develop until the age of 18 and beyond. And while LASIK is FDA-approved for those 18 and older, it’s generally not recommended until a patient’s prescription has remained stable for at least two years.

The most common age for LASIK treatment is 20 to 40. Around age 40, many adults begin to develop presbyopia, a condition that often requires the use of reading glasses. LASIK cannot correct presbyopia, but it can be used to correct each eye to a different focal length: one for reading and one for distance. Patients who elect this procedure will develop monovision, but for many, this outweighs the inconvenience of glasses and contacts.

Patients over the age of 60 don’t generally opt for LASIK, but there’s nothing intrinsically important about one’s age to preclude treatment. If in your LASIK consultation your doctor determines that you are in good enough health to receive the surgery, then even an older patient can be a good candidate. The qualification procedure is highly individualized.

Cataracts

Patients over the age of 50 commonly develop cataracts, a progressive clouding of the lens. If your doctor observes cataracts during an eye exam, then he or she may discourage LASIK surgery in favor of cataract surgery so that the cataracts can be removed. During cataract surgery, your natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), and many of today’s IOLs are specifically designed to help patients see clearly without glasses or contacts. In fact, refractive lens exchange is a common treatment for cataract patients with refractive aberrations in their eyesight that might otherwise be corrected using LASIK, glasses, or contacts.

Dry eyes

One of the most common side effects of LASIK surgery is temporarily dry eyes. And although this diminishes with time for most patients, some experience dry eyes for a longer period. This may be particularly problematic for postmenopausal women, who are often more prone to dry eyes than others. Individuals who naturally suffer from dry eyes, and those who live in or plan to retire to dry climates, should express their concerns to a qualified LASIK doctor, as a LASIK alternative like PRK might be better choice for certain patients whose eyes are predisposed to dryness.

LASIK is a safe procedure with a proven record of success. If you’re thinking about LASIK, it’s time to learn more about this popular treatment. Please contact the Edison, NJ, LASIK surgeons at Patel Eye Associates today or call 732.985.5009 to schedule your vision consultation.