Laser vision correction and age limits

At what age is it possible to undergo a laser vision correction procedure? It is one of the most common questions regarding laser vision correction. In this case curiosity is justified as instability of a refractive error typical at young age may be a contraindication to having a laser vision correction surgery. Old age may also be a contraindication due to eye diseases frequent in the elderly.

Generally speaking, people over the age of 18 are considered eligible for laser vision correction procedure provided that their refractive error has remained stable for at least a year. It has to be remembered that in young people the development of the eyes is not complete and thus a refractive error is likely to become more severe with time. Even when the error appears stable, the final decision can only be taken after a qualifying ophthalmologic examination, during which an operating doctor uses corrective lenses to demonstrate an optimal result of the surgery.

When it comes to the upper age limit, it oscillates around 55-60, but if the cornea is in good condition and a person is healthy, this limited can by all means be pushed forward. However, let’s not forget that the later we decide to undergo the procedure, the greater becomes the risk of contraindications. Among conditions which may thwart our plans are eye diseases typical of the elderly age, such as cataract, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

It also has to be pointed out here that laser vision correction, regardless of the age at which it has been conducted, cannot prevent presbyopia. In this case difficulty seeing well at close distance results from a natural ageing process of the intraocular lens, which gradually loses the accommodation ability. Presbyopia may be corrected with laser only when it occurs concurrently with a refractive error. A laser vision correction surgery, however, is not a procedure which completely eliminates presbyopia. Instead it only enables us to postpone the need to wear reading glasses for a few more years.

Laser vision correction is a procedure which requires a very careful qualification process. What ultimately determines the patient’s eligibility is the doctor’s decision taken on the basis of the patient’s medical history, a completed questionnaire regarding general health condition and the results of the preliminary qualifying examination. If the qualifying examination does not reveal any contraindications, there is a guarantee that the procedure will be successful and its result will remain stable.

If you are interested in an initial assessment of your eligibility to find out whether laser vision correction is a good solution for you, fill in preliminary qualification form online. If you would like to make an appointment for an ophthalmologic examination, contact us via phone or email using the form under the Contact tab.

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