LASIK Risks
LASIK Risks for the Elderly
Old age and vision problems often go hand-in-hand. Some elderly people need readingglasses, others might have eye diseases such as cataract. There is a solution to almost every eye problem for any age group. But when it comes to LASIK, most people assume that senior citizens might not be eligible for this kind of surgery.
But eye surgeons have debunked such myths and many elderly people are now opting forLASIK to obtain better vision. For those planning on having LASIK surgery in Detroit, make sure you consult with an expert surgeon and get the right information.
As with any surgery, there are some risks and benefits of LASIK for the elderly.
Benefits of LASIK
- LASIK surgery is painless. This makes it easy for people of all age groups to undergo it.
- LASIK surgery is a safe procedure. There are few side effects of LASIK and they are almost the same for people of all ages.
- With elderly people recovery time after a surgery is one important factor. With age, body mechanisms become slow and recovery time after an illness or surgery is longer for those over 50. The good thing about LASIK is that recovery time here is very similar, regardless of age. Most people are able to resume normal tasks such as driving within a day. Your LASIK eye surgeon is likely to inform you about recovery time and what tasks you can or can’t do immediately after the procedure.
- LASIK surgery can be performed in an hour’s time. So that’s another easy thing to handle for the elderly people wanting to get the procedure.
LASIK Risks
- One thing that elderly people might experience after the procedure is dry eyes. In fact, dry eyes after LASIK is quite common irrespective of age and eye drops are prescribed for this problem. But for older people the dryness can be more than normal.
- Some drugs that are quite commonly prescribed to older people may interfere with the LASIK procedure. This is best determined by your LASIK surgeon but it can be an issue for elderly wanting to get LASIK.
- Eye problems like presbyopia might make it difficult for the elderly to get LASIK. Presbyopia is an aging problem in the eye, resulting in decreased ability to focus on objects that are near. LASIK also does not prevent other problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
Overall, LASIK may be a good option for patients of all ages. Other options are available, and should be discussed with the surgeon.
