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LASIK After 50? The Options Might Surprise You

Never Say Never When it Comes to Laser Vision Correction

As a patient, it can be frustrating to hear “maybe” or “you might” when you’re learning about laser vision correction options. Unfortunately, that goes with the territory when dealing eyes because — everyone is different.

Get used to hearing that phrase a lot on your journey to improved vision. And it’s not a cop-out by any means. It’s just the fact.

Two questions laser eye surgeons get a lot are:

  • Am I old enough to get LASIK?

  • Am I too old for LASIK?

The answer to both questions centers on the concept of “ocular maturity,” which typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 55. At that point in your life, you probably already wear glasses and contact lenses, and your vision is likely to be stable. Because your vision will remain stable for at least 20 years, you will have the longest run of good vision in your entire life.

For a couple of decades, you no longer have to spend money on costly contacts and glasses. So by getting laser vision correction early in that 20-year run, you reap the most economic benefits.

For someone who reaches ocular maturity later in life, it’s possible that correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism after the age of 50 is both possible and practical. In other words, you should come in for a consultation because maybe it’s not too late and you might be a good candidate.

While LASIK is a highly effective treatment for many, it is not the right choice for all of our patients. Fortunately, there are LASIK alternatives.

If your vision has declined with age, then Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) can stop year-to-year prescription changes for good. RLE eye surgery replaces the natural lens in your eye with premium prescription lenses, eliminating your increasing prescription. These lenses can provide clearer vision for patients suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

The painless procedure provides immediate results and almost no recovery time.

There is even a safe, reliable way to treat eye floaters — those spots that may appear in your field of vision as part of the natural aging process. The treatment is a life-changing procedure for anyone who has suffered from the condition for an extended period.

Knowing when the time is right for your eyes, and if you are a viable candidate for LASIK, is the number one priority at Magruder Laser Vision. During a complimentary consultation, we will evaluate your specific situation, address any concerns you have about your eye health, and recommend the best treatment options.

To schedule a free consultation with at Magruder Laser Vision, please call 407-843-5665 or book online now.