Laser vision correction – is there any age limit?

The laser vision correction procedure can be performed in patients who are at least 18 years old, but is there an upper age limit above which the surgery is not recommended?

The most important factors determining the qualification result are: eye condition, corneal parameters and general health of the patient.

Why do you have to be at least 18 years old?

One of the conditions that need to be fulfilled for the laser vision correction surgery to be performed is a stable refractive error.

In childhood, the eyeball is constantly developing and potential vision problems may result from this. In addition, the vision defect, if it occurs, may deepen with age, until the age of approximately 18-21. Performing the procedure in children would therefore not give a lasting effect.

Presbyopia

Sometimes people over 40 make an appointment in our Centre only due to blurred vision at close distance, i.e. presbyopia.

If presbyopia does not coexist with any of the vision defects (short-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism), then laser vision correction is not recommended as it will not bring the effect desired by the patient.

Patients over the age of 40-45 whose vision defect is correctable will only need to wear reading glasses after the laser vision correction surgery. The correction procedure consists in remodelling the shape of the cornea. The intraocular lens is responsible for seeing up close and it is the loss of its elasticity that affects the development of presbyopia, so the phenomenon of presbyopia is not related to laser vision correction.

Eye diseases and degenerations

After reaching a certain age (usually 50), depending on the lifestyle and general health condition, patients are more likely to be diagnosed with all sorts of eye diseases and degenerations, including:

• cataract,
• glaucoma,
• age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
• diabetic retinopathy.

Not all of the above ailments must be an absolute contraindication to laser vision correction. It all depends on the current stage of the disease/degeneration and the changes in the eyes it has caused so far.

Additionally, some chronic diseases and the type of medications prescribed for them may constitute an utter contraindication to performing a laser vision correction surgery as they may have a direct impact on the corneal healing process and the overall treatment results – i.e. they may contribute to vision deterioration.

The patient’s age itself is not a contraindication to laser vision correction. Other contraindications can be excluded during the preliminary qualifying examination. To make an appointment for the examination, simply send us a completed online preliminary qualification form, call us or send us an email.

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