If you’re interested in LASIK surgery, you may be wondering if your age can be a determining factor in whether this type of eye surgery is right for you? The truth is that it depends. If you currently wear glasses or contacts, you likely have thought about how convenient it would be to not have to wear any type of corrective eyewear. At Palmetto LASIK, we’ve helped countless individuals in the Upstate area improve their vision with LASIK surgery. Read on to learn more about how age can play a factor in determining whether LASIK is right for you.

Are There Age Limits for LASIK? 

LASIK surgery is currently FDA approved for individuals 18 and older. While this is the only hard and fast rule related to LASIK, it’s important to note that the American Optometric Association found that our vision is typically the healthiest between the ages of 19 and 40. This age range is often the most common when it comes to individuals having LASIK surgery.

When you turn 40 your eyes start to change and you could develop a type of farsightedness that can be attributed mostly to age called presbyopia. Developing this condition could affect your ability to have LASIK. Your eyes will typically change again around age 60 when other eye problems begin to occur such as cataracts.

It’s important to keep in mind that whether you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery varies significantly by individual, which is why Dr. Billy J. Haguewood will evaluate older patients and make a determination on a case by case basis.

Reflective Lens Exchange as an Alternative for LASIK 

If you’re over 40 and not a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you may think that you’re out of options when it comes to improving your vision, which is actually not the case. Refractive Lens Exchange or RLE is another option where the eye’s natural lens are replaced with a lens implant. These implants can reduce or even minimize your need for eyeglasses or contacts to see up-close items. RLE can be a great alternative to LASIK for those who experience moderate nearsightedness and extreme farsightedness.

Is LASIK or RLE Right For You?

At Palmetto LASIK, we’d be glad to sit down with you to determine whether LASIK or RLE is right for you. We can perform a thorough eye exam to find out whether one of these procedures could help you to improve your vision and live a more enjoyable life. Feel free to contact us today at 864-583-6381 to learn more about LASIK or RLE.

How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for LASIK?

What to Look for in a Qualified LASIK Surgeon