MIKE SELVON asked:


It’s a pretty well-established fact that most people experience a decline in the quality of their vision when they hit their forties. And, with a very large population of baby boomers now in their forties and above, the demand for corrective eye surgery to help improve these common vision problems has been on the rise. But many senior citizens question if it is worth it to have Lasik eye surgery in their later years.

The answer, according to experienced ophthalmologists and laser eye surgeons, is that people are eligible for laser eye surgery at just about any stage of life. Those experiencing problems with their eyesight can enjoy improvement with correction laser vision surgery. The main vision problems that can be improved with corrective eye surgery are astigmatism, far-sightedness and near-sightedness.

Lasik eye surgery in virtually any stage of life is considered a very low risk procedure, overall. But, there are a few precautions that doctors recommend to those who are a bit older. One common condition that the elderly deal with is eye dryness and therefore, after Lasik eye surgery, the elderly are strongly encouraged to take extra care to be sure to keep the eyes well-hydrated and lubricated with eye drops.

Lubrication of the eyes after Lasik eye surgery is not only important for those who are having the procedure done in their later years. Keeping the eyes moist and keeping them from drying out is an important part of aftercare for everyone who has undergone corrective eye surgery, but it is even more crucial for the elderly and for anyone who tends to naturally have dry eyes.

Using eyedrops routinely after the corrective procedure is a very simple, yet very effective way to avoid problems and complications. The laser eye surgery clinic will provide the patient with the proper lubricating eye drops for post-surgery use.
One of the reasons why eye surgery in the later years is still safe and effective is because overall the procedure has proven to have very few complications and has very low risk. This is because the surface of the eye is not cut with traditional surgical instruments, which can cause damage to the cornea.

Instead, the small cut that needs to be made is accomplished with a laser beam. This means the incision will be tiny, accurate and extremely clean. All of these factors result in much less risk of infection and other complications.

However, even with a very good track record of success, eye surgery in general is not completely foolproof. Corrective eye surgery patients experience complications from the procedure or disappointing results approximately 5% of the time. When the procedure does not go well, the patient might end up having fluctuating vision, seeing halos around light sources, having increased sensitivity to glaring light, and possibly experiencing more dryness of the eyes.

Even though most laser eye surgeons are in agreement that Lasik eye surgery in the later stages of life is still a viable and effective option, they also mention that Lasik vision surgery is not the right procedure for everyone. There are conditions, such as glaucoma and presbyopia, which will not be corrected through laser eye surgery. In fact, with glaucoma, such a procedure can even worsen the condition.

Kelly Wheeler asked:

Lasik eye surgery corrects blurry vision that occurs from a misshapen cornea. The cornea bends light rays to help them focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. By cutting and lifting a small flap of tissue from the outside of the eyeball, a surgeon can use a laser to reshape the cornea before replacing the tissue, removing your need to wear corrective eyewear.

The procedure is done over two million times a year in the USA, with a very low rate of infection. Complications, like blurred vision, corneal scarring, dryness and haloes or starbursts around lights, generally occur in only 1% of cases and if your surgeon has performed over 1000 of these procedures, the risk is even less.

Lasik Eye Surgery Safety Tips

Lasik eye surgery is not a cure for any and all eye problems. Older patients often require reading glasses because of hardening of the lens, which can’t be corrected by laser surgery. The surgery also does not have a fantastic result for those with either very weak or very strong prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. Being informed about your eligibility for the surgery will ultimately help you avoid disappointment and an unfavourable result.

Surgeons who offer you a “20/20 Vision Guarantee!” should most certainly be avoided. Many Lasik eye surgeries actually require a 3 month follow up and should not be taken lightly, by you or the surgeon. Only registered Ophthalmologists are permitted, and are qualified and experienced enough, to perform the procedure. So ensure that you choose your laser-wielding doctor wisely!

Lasik eye surgery does run the risk of a slight loss of vision and diminished night or fog vision that can’t be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. While a low risk, ensure that you discuss your options with the surgeon and that the benefits outweigh these risks.

Lasik eye surgery is a relatively safe procedure, with amazing benefits accompanying minimal risks. In order to have a positive experience, ensure that you’re well-informed and make educated choices, then simply enjoy your new clear vision!