What You Should Know About LASIK Surgery After 50
Posted on: 28 November 2022
For many adults, LASIK eye surgery offers a variety of benefits. However, as you age, there are additional considerations to keep in mind before you decide if LASIK is right for you.
If you're over 50 and considering LASIK surgery, it's important to understand that the procedure may be more complicated due to the fact that your eyes may have changed significantly over the years. Here's what you need to know.
You May Need More Than One Session
As you age, your eyes may have developed more complications or irregularities than someone younger than 50. Because of this, it's possible that you may need more than one LASIK session to correct the problems. Speak to your eye doctor about how many sessions you might need and the cost associated with each.
Your Procedure Could Be More Expensive
LASIK surgery is considered an elective procedure, which means that it's not usually covered by insurance. The cost of the surgery will depend on the complexity of your vision problems and the severity of your prescription. For adults over 50, LASIK may be more expensive than for younger patients due to the increased complexity.
Your Recovery Time May Be Longer
As an older adult, your healing process may take longer than someone younger. Be sure to discuss with your doctor what you should expect as far as recovery time and post-operative care. You should also plan on taking adequate time off work if needed and make sure you have someone to drive you home from the surgery, as it's important not to drive until your eyes have fully healed.
Your Risks for Complications May Be Higher
Older adults may be more susceptible to certain risks associated with LASIK surgery. Speak to your doctor about any potential complications that could arise, such as dry eye, infection, or even vision loss. Your doctor will be able to explain the risks in detail and offer advice on how to minimize them.
You May Need More Maintenance
As you age, your eyes may require more maintenance than when you were younger. This includes the days following surgery as well. Following LASIK surgery, it's important to have regular check-ups with your eye doctor to make sure your vision correction is holding up.
You Can Talk to Your Doctor About Your Options
If you're over 50 and considering LASIK surgery, it's important to talk to your doctor. You can still reap many of the benefits of the procedure, but preparing is crucial.
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