LASIK - Is There An Age Limit?

LASIK is a well known surgical treatment that can be used to correct eye conditions, including far or nearsightedness and astigmatism. The name stands for Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. The procedure alters the shape of the cornea with which will improve the patient's vision quality and glasses and contact lenses will no longer be needed.

Possible Candidates for LASIK Eye Procedure

Although this surgery causes almost no pain and takes very little time, it is not suitable for everyone. It is best to set up a consultation to check your eligibility. If the procedure is unsuitable for your particular condition, you may find a solution in good quality lenses.

LASIK Relating to Young Patients

As there is reshaping involved, young patients may not be able to participate, as their eyes are growing and adjusting. Patients that are under eighteen are normally advised to delay the procedure, to ensure the best result. Performing this procedure on patients that are very young could mean that the patient will need an additional LASIK procedure in a few years. Many experts consider 21 to be an appropriate threshold age for surgery. The procedure has been approved by the FDA for patients aged 18 years or over.

Older Patients

There is commonly not an upper age limit on the surgery. People with normal eye health and no conflicting eye problems are able to move forward with the procedure at any age. The only requirement is that the patient has a stable prescription for at least 2 years prior to commencing the operation. Therefore, anyone who wishes to have better eyesight is able to have this corrective procedure -- patients from 18 years old and up take advantage of it.

Benefits of Having LASIK Surgery

This type of surgery can give a number of benefits. Here are a few examples.

Reduced Cost Over Time

Seeing, without the use of corrective lenses and glasses helps a patient to be free of the need to buy and maintain items such as these. In most cases, LASIK also removes the requirement to meet with an eye doctor yearly to collect prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses. This enables a patient to can save a lot of money on the cost of purchasing new contact lenses, glass frames, glass lenses, contact solution, glass solution, cleaning cloths, as well as the actual doctor's visit. Additionally, without glasses and contacts, you will gain back time which is usually spent cleaning and maintaining them.

Great Vision

Patients can experience near perfect 20/20 vision. Some individuals may even have vision that surpasses this level. The ability to open your eyes every morning and see clearly, without your glasses on, truly makes a difference. Surgery patients will realize how much they were missing out on pre-op.

Enhanced Appearance

Without the need for glasses or lenses, patients may look and feel better. In many cases, glasses make the face look older. A patient's personality has the ability to shine through and the patient is no longer defined by the style, color or size of their glasses.

LASIK is proving to be one of the most sought after techniques to deal with eye conditions. With enhanced vision and a cut in expense, it may be the ideal choice for you.