Laser eye surgery can be life-changing. It helps many people see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses. This surgery is used to fix common vision problems like being short-sighted, long-sighted, or having astigmatism. But what about if you’re old? Is laser eye surgery suitable for over 60s?
In this article, we’ll talk about what to think about if you’re considering laser eye surgery at this stage of life. By the end, you’ll know more about how laser eye surgery works and if it could help you enjoy better vision.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Suitable For Those Over 60s?
You might wonder if your age affects whether you can have laser eye surgery. The good news is that age itself is not a problem.
However, as you get older, changes in your eyes might affect whether laser vision correction is the best choice for you.
Presbyopia And Laser Vision Correction Surgery
This condition, called presbyopia, usually starts in your 40s or 50s and happens to almost everyone.
A laser blended vision approach (PRESBYOND) might help those who passed the age limit for regular laser eye surgery.
Unlike LASIK surgery, PRESBYOND fixes one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision. It can reduce how often you need to rely on reading glasses.
Laser Eye Surgery Requirements For Older Adults
Laser eye surgery can be a remarkable option, but there are some important things to think about if you’re over 60.
These include:
- Overall Health: Your general health needs to be good for any surgery, including laser eye surgery. If you have health problems that might slow healing or increase risks, your eye doctor will look at these before deciding if surgery is right for you.
- Eye Health: The condition of your eyes is very important. Issues like glaucoma that harms the optic nerve or severe dry eye syndrome can affect whether laser surgery is suitable. If you have these problems, your doctor might suggest other treatments instead.
- Refractive Stability: To get the best results from PRESBYOND, your vision prescription needs to be steady. If your prescription has been changing a lot, surgery might not be recommended. For older adults, having a stable prescription is very important before moving forward.
The Benefits Of Laser Blended Refractive Surgery
PRESBYOND can bring many benefits if you’re over 60, including:
- Freedom From Glasses And Contact Lenses: Laser eye surgery could make a big difference if you wear reading glasses or contact lenses to see near and far. It can reduce or even remove their need, so you can enjoy your activities without the hassle of eyewear.
- Better Quality Of Life: Being able to stay active without worrying about glasses or contact lenses can feel life-changing. Whether you love sports, outdoor adventures, or just want clearer vision every day, laser eye surgery could help improve your well-being.
- Quick Recovery Time: PRESBYOND usually has a short recovery period. You should notice better vision just days after the procedure, making it a great option if you’re concerned about taking a long time to heal.
- Saving Money In The Long Run: Glasses and contact lenses can cost a lot over time. Laser blended vision is a one-time cost that might save you money by reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have PRESBYOND for cataracts?
Laser blended vision surgery can’t fix cataracts, but it can work with lens replacement surgery to help your vision.
Cataract surgery takes out the cloudy lenses in your eyes and replaces them with artificial ones.
Are there risks with PRESBYOND?
Yes, like any surgery, there are risks. You might have dry eyes, see glare, or notice halos around lights. Your eye doctor will explain these risks and answer your questions before you decide.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Your eyes might feel blurry or sensitive to light for a while.
How is refractive lens exchange different from PRESBYOND?
Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the front part of your eye (the cornea) to fix your vision.
RLE, on the other hand, replaces the natural lens inside your eye with a new one to fix vision problems, including presbyopia.
RLE may be a better choice for people with more serious presbyopia or other age-related changes in their lenses.
Conclusion
Laser blended vision surgery can be a good choice for people over 60 who want better vision and less need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If you’re thinking about laser blended vision surgery, talk to an experienced eye doctor. They can check your eyes and help you find the best way to improve your vision.
With the right care, you can have clearer vision and keep doing the things you love without relying on glasses.
If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery, Dr Ed is here to help!
Contact Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 today to book a consultation and find out if this is the right option for you.
He is ready to address your questions and guide you on your journey to a clearer vision.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic 2023. Presbyopia. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8577-presbyopia [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Felman A 2024. What To Know About Laser Blended Vision. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/blended-vision-problems [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Mayo Clinic Staff 2023. LASIK Surgery: Is It Right for You? Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751 [Accessed January 27, 2025]
