The Best Age for LASIK

In Oklahoma City and Edmond, Oklahoma

 

LASIK laser eye surgery is a safe, effective treatment for vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision independent of distance).  In addition, with the advent of CustomVue WaveFront technology, Custom LASIK can be used to treat more people than ever.  And for those people unable to have LASIK, PRK remains a good option for laser vision correction.  However, there are many reasons why it is best to get your laser eye surgery performed during your 30s.

 

Under 18

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved LASIK or other laser eye surgeries for use on children under the age of 18.  This is partly due to the likeliness of refractive instability of young eyes, meaning that any vision correction would likely have to be retreated.  It is also partly because the FDA prefers that optional treatments with permanent outcomes only be performed on adults capable of making informed decisions.  However, some doctors recommend the use of LASIK for the treatment of extreme cases of amblyopia (lazy eye).

 

During your 20s

Under many circumstances, your 20s are an ideal time to get your laser eye surgery.  However, some people still experience refractive instability during this age.  This can be due to ongoing development of the eyes, or it can be due to conditions that cause hormonal instability.

 

During your 30s

Unless you are diabetic, have suffered an eye injury, or suffer from keratoconus, you most likely have achieved refractive stability by this age.  Most likely your prescription for glasses or contacts is stable and has remained stable for several years.  This makes your 30s the ideal time to have your laser eye surgery.

 

Your 40s and beyond

In general, people older than 40 are still good candidates for laser eye surgery if their corrective lens prescription has remained constant for a year or more.  However, some studies suggest that patients older than 40 may have a higher likelihood of requiring retreatment.  In one study, persons over 40 were almost three times more likely to need retreatment than patients from 18 to 40.  Most of these patients were able to achieve full vision correction following retreatment. 

 

In addition, there are other issues that may arise as candidates get older.  Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, and are a common condition people face as they age.  The only treatment available for cataracts is the removal of the natural lens and replacement with a different lens.  Since this procedure can lead to a changing of the refractive character of the eye, it is recommended that people who are beginning to experience cataracts or believe they may soon experience them, not have laser eye surgery. 

 

Presbyopia is another age-related eye condition.  In this condition, the eye loses the ability to focus at different distances.  This can be treated with LASIK monovision, a form of laser eye surgery, but its onset may make other laser eye surgery less effective.

 

If your vision is stable and you are considering laser eye surgery, it is best to have the surgery sooner rather than later to maximize your benefit from the results.  To schedule your free laser eye surgery consultation, contact the Hummel Eye Associates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma today.

 

Hummel Eye Associates has served Oklahoma since 1969. Using our sophisticated technology and varied procedures, we can give you outstanding vision and eye care. Please Contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation.

 

(405)755-6111
Hummel Eye Associates
See Your Best…See Hummel!
4205 McAuley Blvd. #401
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Fax:(405)755-6298

Statewide Toll-Free (800) 522-EYES (3937) 

Offices also in Alva, Ardmore, Woodward, and Yukon
Ask your optometrist for a surgical referral!