What Is The Best Age For Laser Eye Surgery & Other Treatments?

People often have trouble understanding which type of laser eye surgery might be best suited for them. There are many considerations, including age, vision goals and lifestyle, to name a few.

In this article, we will explore the types of laser eye surgery treatments available to people at varying ages.

If you believe that laser eye surgery can enhance your life by helping you to see without glasses, you can speak to one of our expert advisors free of charge via a free consultation.

Understanding Age-Related Vision Changes

Optegra Medical Director for Vision Correction, Mr. Amir Hamid, states:

“From laser surgery to implantable contact lenses to Replacement Lens Exchange (RLE), there are so many solutions to improve your vision. Even within laser eye surgery – the options include LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, Presbyond”.

How do you know which to choose? Well, the good news is that you are not left alone to make this decision. We are very much here to help and guide you, and we base this recommendation on very thorough eye tests and discussion about your requirements.”

The very best way to understand the best treatment options for your unique situation is to speak directly to one of our expert specialists via a one-on-one consultation. However, our guide below should help you understand the likely options suitable for you based on your age.

Age 18-40

This is the ideal age group for laser eye surgery. Once your prescription has settled –this quick and pain-free procedure – either LASIK, LASEK or SMILE – can provide decades of excellent vision.

SMILE

SMILE- the latest, third-generation surgery is a minimally invasive, painless procedure with rapid recovery and is quickly becoming the most preferred procedure option for patients. People with dry eye or who play contact sports are not good candidates for traditional methods such as LASIK are more suited to SMILE laser eye surgery –. Considered a ‘keyhole’, laser eye surgerySMILE is also more suitable for those with a thinner than average cornea or those with an intolerance of contact lenses.

 Traditional methods are LASIK and LASEK.

LASIK is the most popular form of laser surgery. It creates a thin flap that is gently lifted so that the cornea—the surface of the eye where your prescription is corrected—can be reshaped.

LASEK is best suited for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes who may not qualify for other laser procedures.

Learn more about the difference between LASIK and LASEK.

Laser eye surgery for distance vision can correct short—and long-sightedness as well as astigmatism( where the eye is more rugby ball-shaped rather than spherical). However, if your spectacles prescription is particularly high—for example, over 10.00D—you may be better suited to Implantable Collamar Lenses.

These work by placing a tiny, biocompatible lens in your eye between your natural lens and iris; this is a permanent and reversible solution that gives you the vision correction that you desire. 

This is particularly suitable for those under 40 because the natural lens of the eye still has a good ability to focus, and therefore, near vision is not compromised.

At the ages of 18 to 40, some people consider wearing contact lenses. Consider the differences between contact lenses and laser eye surgery.

Age 40-60

These are the years when many of us may notice that we are holding phones, newspapers and packaging further and further away in order to read the lettering clearly. This is due to an age-related change in our eyes called Presbyopia. This is where the natural lens in the eye that allows us to see things up close becomes less flexible and leads to a loss of focus on near and mid-range objects such as books and computer screens. People may be prescribed varifocals or single-vision near-reading spectacles to help them see.

 Presbyond laser eye surgery can correct these reading problems and give freedom from spectacle wear.

Presbyond offers vision correction for people who are struggling with near and mid-range vision because it corrects both eyes to allow for a full range of vision (distance, intermediate, and near vision).

Age 60 –and above

Laser eye surgery may be less suitable for this group because of age-related changes in your natural lens (cataracts), which cause blurred vision that laser surgery cannot fix

Causes of cataracts include:

1. Age-related changes:One of the primary reasons for cataract development is the natural aging process. As people get older, the proteins in the lens of the eye can start to clump together, leading to cloudiness and opacity in the lens, which characterizes cataracts.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight over the years can increase the risk of developing cataracts. This exposure can cause oxidative damage to the lens proteins, contributing to cataract formation.
3. Other environmental factors:Factors such as smoking, air pollution, and certain medications can also increase the risk of developing cataracts.
4. Medical conditions:Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, can increase the risk of cataracts. Additionally, previous eye injuries or inflammation within the eye can also contribute to cataract development.
5. Genetics:Family history and genetics can play a role in predisposing individuals to cataracts. Some people may be genetically more susceptible to developing cataracts earlier in life.

However, there is a fantastic solution called Replacement Lens Exchange (RLE) – which involves the natural lens of the eye being replaced by a prescription lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). but RLE places a tailored prescription lens to provide freedom from glasses.

This means you can be free of glasses and contact lenses but also never have a cataract, as the natural lens of the eye has been replaced by an artificial one that will last your lifetime.

Arrange a free consultation for Optegra’s specialists to help you and recommend the treatment most suitable for you.