Aging brings natural changes to vision, often making glasses and contacts increasingly frustrating. For many in their 70s, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) presents an appealing alternative. However, many seniors wonder: Is LASIK still a viable option at this stage of life?
At the Whiting Clinic, we recognize the unique vision concerns that arise with age. This article examines whether LASIK is appropriate for individuals in their 70s, covering the benefits, risks, and alternative procedures available.
LASIK Surgery: An Overview
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The goal is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, LASIK primarily addresses the cornea and does not rectify issues originating from the eye’s lens, such as cataracts or presbyopia.
Understanding Age-Related Vision Changes
Individuals in their 70s commonly experience vision changes due to conditions such as
- Presbyopia: age-related loss of near vision flexibility which starts around age 40. Solutions like monovision LASIK (correcting one eye for distance and one for near vision) may be considered.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. About half of people 60 to 74 years old and up to 70% of people ages 75 and older have cataracts.
- Macular degeneration: When a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. You lose your central vision. You cannot see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far. But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal.
- Glaucoma: Increased fluid pressure in the eye pressing on the optic nerve.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Tear production naturally decreases with age, and many seniors already experience dry eye symptoms. Since LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eye, comprehensive tear film evaluation becomes critical for older adults.
Vision in your 70s
As we age, our visual response times slow down, contributing to adjusting to light and detail perception more challenging:
- Slower pupil reaction: Eye muscles weaken, causing delayed adaptation to light changes.
- Reduced contrast sensitivity: Fine details become harder to distinguish.
- Thickening of the lens: Colors appear less vibrant, and low-light vision declines.
Evaluating Candidacy for LASIK in Your 70s
The ideal LASIK candidate, regardless of age, should:
- Be in overall good overall health
- Have no serious eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration)
- Have stable vision for at least 12 months
- Be free of significant dry eye syndrome
- Have sufficient corneal thickness
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Seniors considering LASIK should be aware of potential complications such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or fluctuations in vision. Additionally, due to age-related changes in the eyes, the healing process might take a bit longer compared to younger individuals.
However, despite the changes, LASIK can certainly be a viable option for those in their 70s. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicates that people over the age of 50 are increasingly choosing LASIK surgery with outcomes similar to younger patients.
Benefits of LASIK:
- Enhanced quality of life due to less dependence on glasses
- Greater confidence due to simplified vision care
- Cost savings due to reducing the ongoing expenses of yearly prescription updates, glasses replacement or contact lens supplies
LASIK Cost & Options
While LASIK eye surgery is considered elective and typically not covered under regular health insurance, many providers offer guaranteed financing options along with self-pay options. In addition, while Medicare doesn’t cover LASIK, a Medicare Advantage plan might.
At the Whiting Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of care and the LASIK technology used.
Alternatives to LASIK in Your 70s
If LASIK isn’t the right choice, several other options are available:
- Cataract Surgery: This is the standard procedure for cataracts.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK, PRK might be an alternative for some patients.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): This procedure replaces the natural lens with an artificial lens, similar to cataract surgery, and can correct vision issues.
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: These remain a viable option for vision correction.
Making an Informed Decision
For those in their 70s considering vision correction surgery, a personalized approach is essential. While age alone doesn’t disqualify seniors from LASIK consideration, thorough evaluation becomes especially important. For carefully selected candidates in their 70s, who maintain good ocular and general health, LASIK can provide significant improvements in quality of life. Consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist will provide clarity on the most appropriate treatment options tailored to individual needs.
At the Whiting Clinic, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and helping you make the best decision for your vision health. Reclaim your vision and independence. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your options and determine if LASIK or another procedure is right for you.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Schena L, 2004). LASIK and Age: Pushing the Limits. Retrieved fromhttps://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/lasik-age-pushing-limits
LASIK.Com. (2024). Can You Get LASIK With An Astigmatism? Retrieved from https://www.lasik.com/category/candidacy/
LASIK.Com. (2024). Hyperopia: Understanding Farsightedness and Its Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.lasik.com/hyperopia-causes-symptoms-treatments/
LASIK.Com. (2024). Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options. Retrieved fromhttps://www.lasik.com/myopia-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
U.S Food & Drug Administration. (2022). LASIK. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/surgery-devices/lasik
U.S Food & Drug Administration. (2018). When is LASIK not for me? Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/when-lasik-not-me
WebMD. (2023). What to Know About Lasik After 60. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/lasik-after-60
WebMD. (Seed, S, 2023). What to Expect in Your 70s. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-what-to-expect-in-your-70s
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions.
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