Lasik Eye Surgery In Later Years Considered Safe for Most

Even people who have enjoyed a life-time of perfect vision are susceptible to the impact of age. Many in their mid forties and beyond will inevitably start to experience a decline in their vision. Because the youngest members of the baby-boomer generation are now smack in the middle of their forties, it is no wonder why the topic of corrective eye surgery is a hot one. While those in their 40s and 50s are looking into such procedures in record numbers, many in their 60s and 70s question if Lasik eye surgery in their later years is the right option.

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 any age group is generally considered to be very low risk. However, there are some precautions that those who are older should take. Often with age comes an increase in the dryness of eyes and after Lasik eye surgery, it is even more important that elderly patients use eye drops to keep the repaired eyes moist and lubricated.

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.

While laser eye surgeons agree that Lasik eye surgery in the later years is a viable option for many, they also are quick to point out that Lasik is not appropriate for everyone. Conditions such as presbyopia and glaucoma will not be improved by laser eye surgery and in the case of glaucoma; it can even make the condition worse.

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