Laser vision correction after the age of 45: YES or NO?

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Laser vision correction and the age limit

Laser vision correction is an intervention that quickly and reliably corrects refractive errors and enables clear vision without wearing glasses and contact lenses. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for this operation. There are certain conditions that must be met, and one of them relates to age .

How old do I need to be for laser vision correction?

The lower age limit for laser vision correction is in most cases 20 years . It is considered that during this period growth and development ends, and that the diopter will not change in most patients.

The upper age limit is difficult to define precisely. It is conditioned by the appearance of presbyopia (senile diopters for nearsightedness), which most often begins after the age of 40, but also by other eye diseases, such as cataracts .

Does laser vision correction correct presbyopia?

Presbyopia occurs as a result of changes in the eye lens, whereby its elasticity and refractive power decrease, as a result of which there is a need to wear close-up glasses. The intervention of laser vision correction cannot permanently correct presbyopia , nor can its occurrence be prevented. Therefore, patients who have previously had this surgery will need to wear glasses when presbyopia develops.

Laser vision correction and cataracts

After the age of 50, cataracts often appear – clouding of the natural lens of the eye, as a result of which visual acuity decreases. It is not possible to remove cataracts with laser vision correction, nor to prevent its formation. For this reason, this operation is not recommended for people over 50 years of age, as it will have a short-term effect. As the cataract progresses, another operation will be needed.

How to achieve good vision without glasses after the age of 45?

Patients after 45-50 years of age are advised another type of surgery – implantation of intraocular lenses , which permanently achieves good vision without glasses. This procedure gives the patient freedom in everyday life and eliminates dependence on glasses.

There is a wide range of intraocular lenses, which differ in their characteristics and, accordingly, in the quality of vision after surgery. Our center is a leader in the implantation of premium intraocular lenses and one of the few clinics that implants all types of lenses: monofocal, lenses with an extended range of vision and multifocal lenses, from different manufacturers.