Is There An Age Limit For SMILE Laser Vision Correction?

Millions of people have undergone laser vision correction to improve their eyesight. Since it was first introduced years ago, SMILE vision correction has enabled people to enjoy activities, like reading and playing sports, without prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, there are some limitations when it comes to getting surgery.

So, what is SMILE laser eye surgery, and is there an age limit for this procedure? When you visit skilled ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi, we can perform an examination and give you more information about SMILE qualifications. See if you are a candidate by reaching out to Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL.

What is SMILE laser eye surgery?

Lasers are often used by ophthalmologists in surgical procedures. They can be used to correct issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness to clear away blurry vision. So, what is SMILE laser eye surgery? SMILE reshapes the cornea to eliminate refractive errors. Although it is similar to LASIK, it does not require a flap in the cornea of the eye. For this reason, SMILE is sometimes known as flapless laser eye surgery.

With SMILE vision correction, only a small incision is required. This reduces your risk of complications, such as infection. Fortunately for patients, Dr. Choi is the only board-certified ophthalmologist to provide this procedure in the state of Alabama.

Your candidacy for surgery

Ideal candidates for laser vision correction have had a stable prescription for at least 12 months and are in generally good health. During an eye examination, we will check for any eye diseases and ask about your health history. For example, people with certain autoimmune disorders are more prone to complications. It is also important to have realistic expectations about your vision following surgery. While most refractive errors can be corrected, you may still need aids, like reading glasses after surgery.

Am I too young for SMILE?

Laser eye surgery is designed to improve your prescription by reshaping the cornea. Children’s eyes are constantly adjusting and changing shape as they grow. Since their prescription is not stable, SMILE vision correction is not offered to individuals under the age of 21 at our clinic near Birmingham, AL. It would only be a waste to treat eyes that may require additional treatment in the future. However, it is still essential to schedule regular eye appointments for your eye health.

Am I too old for SMILE?

The great news is that there is no age limit when it comes to laser vision correction. However, patients still need to meet the previous requirements before scheduling a laser procedure. Dr. Choi can perform an assessment and make sure your eyes are free from any eye conditions that could affect your results. Adults over 50 are more likely to develop eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. If you are not a good candidate for SMILE, we can recommend other safe and effective options.

Schedule SMILE vision correction

SMILE is one of the best options today for correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness in patients. People who undergo laser treatment are excited to finally stop using glasses and contacts on a daily basis. To find out if you qualify for SMILE vision correction near Birmingham, AL, call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center. Ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi is dedicated to helping patients discover the best options for their eyesight.