Can Someone Be “Too Old” for LASIK?
- Posted on: Sep 21 2018
The question of whether there are any age limits for LASIK has occasionally come up in consultation with Dr. Gregory Pamel, a respected New York City laser eye surgeon. Currently the FDA has approved LASIK for anyone age 18 or older. Before the age of 18, vision prescription is more likely to change frequently, compromising LASIK outcomes. After the age of 18, there is no upper age limit for candidates pursuing LASIK.
The Health of the Eyes Is More Important than Age
The overall health of the eyes is more important to LASIK candidacy than age. Suitable candidates should be in good general health and free of any systemic health problems that could affect the surgery or healing. The eyes should be free of infection or chronic dry eye symptoms at the time of surgery. Dr. Pamel also evaluates physical qualities like a patient’s corneal thickness and pupil size before determining whether surgery is suitable.
Other Age-Related Vision Problems Cannot Be Corrected with LASIK
Bear in mind that with age, the eyes can develop other vision problems that cannot be corrected with LASIK. For example, around the age of 40, a condition called presbyopia can develop, compromising the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. Presbyopia is extremely common — it is the reason why so many people in their forties hold reading material at an arm’s length, or wear reading glasses to see fine print. Around the age of 60, cataracts can start to cause additional changes to the eyes. The normally clear lens can become cloudy and opaque, causing blurry or distorted vision; it must be replaced during cataract surgery.
Because presbyopia and cataracts are not caused by refractive errors, they cannot be corrected with LASIK.
Evaluating Candidates on an Individual Basis
Ultimately, everyone is unique. Some people don’t develop presbyopia right away, and are suitable candidates for LASIK into their 40s and 50s. Others have vision problems that preclude them from having LASIK in their 20s or 30s. Because of these differences, Dr. Pamel evaluates candidates on an individual basis rather than making broad recommendations based on age.
If Dr. Pamel decides someone is not a suitable candidate for LASIK, he can discuss alternative treatment options to help reduce or eliminate the person’s dependence on glasses or contacts.
Book a LASIK Consultation
If you are tired of wearing visual aids and believe that LASIK might be right for you, Dr. Pamel invites you to schedule a consultation at his New York City practice. Please call (212) 355-2215 or email Pamel Vision and Laser Group today to request an appointment.
Posted in: LASIK
