Many of the middle-aged patients we see at Laser Eye Center of Miami express regret that they missed their chance to have LASIK when they were younger. Fortunately, our outstanding ophthalmologist, Dr. Gabriel Lazcano and Dr. Abraham Awad, have good news for them: it usually is not too late to have refractive surgery! Age does not disqualify a patient from having LASIK. If a patient is interested in LASIK, it is worth asking your doctor if he or she is a good candidate for the procedure, regardless of age.
If Anything, It Can Be Too Soon to Get LASIK
The only restriction the FDA has placed on LASIK is that patients should be 18 years old or older, which means that it is possible for a patient to be too young to have LASIK.
Assessing Candidacy for LASIK
All patients need to be assessed for LASIK candidacy on an individual basis. LASIK may not be appropriate for patients who have unstable vision prescriptions, thin corneas, large pupils or certain health conditions.
At Laser Eye Center of Miami, we have performed LASIK on many patients in their 40s, 50s and 60s. The procedure is safe and effective on patients of many ages. The only way for patients to know for sure if LASIK is suitable is to have a top ophthalmologist review their eyes and health and make a recommendation based on that assessment.
If LASIK Is Not a Good Fit
Thankfully, patients who learn that they are not good candidates for LASIK are not without options when it comes to overcoming refractive errors without needing to rely on glasses and contact lenses as often. For example, the doctors at Laser Eye Center of Miami can also perform clear lens extraction (or refractive lens exchange). This LASIK alternative, which involves replacing the natural lens with an intraocular lens, is popular with patients over the age of 40 who want a safe and long-lasting solution to imperfect vision.
Make an Appointment
No matter your age, if you are interested in finding out whether you are a good candidate for LASIK, please schedule a consultation at Laser Eye Center of Miami by calling (305) 443-4733.