Can You Still Get LASIK Eye Surgery After 50?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, corrective eye surgery has probably crossed your mind at some point. It would be great to improve your vision and not struggle with blurry eyesight every day. The good news is that no one is too mature for laser vision correction. You may be able to schedule LASIK after 50 years old.
You should know that not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. So, what common problems can LASIK fix? If you have concerns about the process, contact Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL. Even if you are not qualified for LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Young H. Choi can offer other options to improve your eyesight.
LASIK age limits
Patients must be at least 21 years old to be a candidate for LASIK. This is because the vision of young teenagers and adolescents change as they reach adulthood. It is important to wait until your vision is stable before having laser eye surgery. If you are older than 50 and your eyesight is changing due to aging, this may also affect your candidacy. Ophthalmologists evaluate patients on a case-by-case basis since eye health is also taken into account.
Who is disqualified from LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is the most well-known refractive surgery in Birmingham, AL. During LASIK, an eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea. An advanced laser then reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors that cause issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness. When performing an examination at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we will assess any factors that may disqualify you from LASIK after 50 years old, including:
- Prescription instability: Patients must have the same prescription for at least 12 months prior to surgery
- Certain health conditions: Autoimmune disorders and diabetes could also disqualify you from LASIK
What are my options if I cannot get LASIK?
LASIK is not your only option for corrective eye surgery. After age 50, your natural lens begins to change shape, making it more challenging to focus at different distances. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your natural lens with a special implant that helps you see clearly. We have found that this procedure is perfect for individuals with presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.
Which procedure is right for you?
Although you have received a lot of information about LASIK after 50 years old, the only person who can help you make this decision is a doctor who specializes in corrective eye surgery. Dr. Choi will perform a comprehensive examination and assess whether LASIK, RLE, or another procedure will benefit your vision the most. Remember to give us your complete medical history so we can create a custom laser vision correction plan for you.
LASIK eye surgery in Birmingham
If you are considering LASIK or another means of laser vision correction, contact Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL. LASIK is just one of many procedures aimed at addressing refractive issues, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients over 50 years old are more than welcome to meet with Dr. Young H. Choi and ask questions about this life-changing surgery.
