Am I Too Old for LASIK/PRK?
Lakewood ophthalmologist Dr. Edward Hedaya of InVision EyeCare has helped hundreds of patients enjoy crisper and clearer vision with LASIK/PRK. The trusted eye doctor has fielded many questions from potential patients over the years. In today’s blog post, Dr. Hedaya would like to discuss age requirements for LASIK/PRK and answer the question, “Am I too old for LASIK/PRK?”
LASIK/PRK and Age
It’s a common misconception that there is an upper age restriction for having LASIK/PRK. In actuality, the only age requirement for the laser vision correction procedure is that patients be at least 18 years of age. This is because an individual’s vision may continue to change and not fully stabilize until after age 18. Adults of all ages undergo LASIK/PRK each year. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has noted that more people over the age of 50 are choosing to have LASIK/PRK.
This being said, older adults are at risk of developing certain eye conditions and diseases that may disqualify them from LASIK/PRK. These diseases include macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. In addition, adults age 40 and older are at risk of presbyopia, which causes blurry near vision and can limit the effectiveness of LASIK/PRK. Individuals with presbyopia may benefit from other alternative laser vision correction procedures.
Other Factors that Affect LASIK/PRK Candidacy
So what are the other requirements for LASIK/PRK? Ideal candidates for laser vision correction are individuals who:
- Have good eye health and are free of eye injuries and diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma
- Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year prior to surgery
- Are in good overall health (diabetes, autoimmune disorders and other conditions may affect healing after laser vision correction)
- Do not smoke (smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications)
- Are not pregnant
The only way to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK/PRK is by scheduling a consultation with InVision EyeCare. During your appointment, Dr. Hedaya will examine your eyes and evaluate your eye health and overall health. If he determines that you are not a good candidate, he can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
To schedule your appointment, please contact InVision EyeCare by calling 732-607-8515 today.