A Guide to Laser Eye Surgery for Seniors

Laser eye surgery is often a viable option for seniors, but there may be certain factors to take into account. Here we’ll take a look at what to consider if you’re over 60 and thinking about laser-assisted vision correction.

If you have questions about laser eye surgery and the options that are available for you, please call us on 0203 369 2020, or request a call back.

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Age-related vision problems

As we get older, it’s normal to experience common vision changes associated with ageing. Some of these – such as presbyopia – can be treated with laser eye surgery. Others, like cataracts, are better suited to other treatment (cataract surgery removes the cataracts and corrects vision using an implantable lens, rather than shaping the cornea with a laser).

So, before committing to laser eye surgery, it’s important to consider what’s causing your vision problems, and if any other eye conditions also need to be treated.

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Too old for laser eye surgery?

So, you have an eye condition like myopia, hypermetropia or presbyopia that’s suitable for laser treatment. But is laser eye surgery the best option, or should alternatives be considered? Well, the good news is that there’s no upper age limit for undergoing the surgery. Age alone isn’t a reason to dismiss the prospect of LASIK or other forms of laser eye surgery.

Whatever your age, there will always be certain factors that will immediately rule out laser eye surgery. These include some issues that may be more prevalent in older people. Pre-existing conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or epilepsy, and certain prescription drugs that are incompatible with laser eye surgery will unfortunately mean that you need to seek alternative treatment. If you don’t have any of these conditions or other pertinent health issues, however, then you are likely to be a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

Book an appointment with your specialist to discuss your own individual vision problems, and the best course of treatment.

Special considerations for seniors

In older patients with presbyopia, laser eye surgeons may decide to treat one eye for distance vision and the other for near distances. This is known as blended vision, and it’s particularly suited to patients who would otherwise use bifocal or varifocal lenses.

Even if you haven’t yet developed cataracts, statistics show that as you age, this is likely to happen. Your surgeon will consider this when assessing your suitability for laser eye surgery, to make an informed decision about the type of treatment that will suit you best.

Recovery from surgery is usually a quick process, but for seniors, it can take a little longer. Talk to your specialist about what to expect when recovering from surgery.

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What makes our laser eye surgery unique?

Treatment tailored for you

You are always at the centre of everything we do. We do not offer a one size fits all approach but rather customise every single treatment to your individual visual needs, so you’ll always get the best procedure for your eyes and your vision

The choice for healthcare professionals

Our surgeons are known the world over and are some of the best in the country, with over 30,000 completed surgeries between them. We treat many surgeons, doctors and anaesthetists who also refer their friends and family to us as they know they will be in safe hands with our expert surgeons.

State of the art technology

We have spared no expense. Eye surgery requires perfect precision, that’s why we have invested in only the latest and most advanced technology. We are not tied into any particular company or manufacturer which means we have complete freedom to chose the best from the many options
available.

Experts you can trust

Patients need to be able to trust us with their eyes. We are honest with our approach and offer the very best evidence-based treatment with your best interests always at heart. We pride ourselves on recruiting and retaining the best staff in the business to ensure that you are supported throughout every step of your journey.