Am I too old for Lasik surgery?!

Am I too old for Lasik surgery?

I'm 42 and haven't been able to afford it until now. I've heard that I'll probably have to get a pair of reading glasses, even if my distance vision is perfect--that this just happens to most people as they get older. Are there any unique age-related factors that should be considered and that may be prohibitive? I've worn glasses since I was a little kid and I'm really sick of them.

I'm like you and not much younger (36) and just had PRK a week ago. I was sick of my glasses and contacts too!!

I honestly do not believe there are any true age factors, other than the fact that even those people with 20/20 vision their entire lives may end up in reading glasses...and knowing full well that I will probably end up in reading glasses in a few years was of minimal consideration to me when I was making my decision.

I would suggest researching the different procedures and also look up the monovision aspect of LASIK/PRK. This is where they correct one eye for distance and the other for near. In the literature my PRK surgeon gave me, he suggested considering this option if you are over the age of 40. His literature also stated that it can take some getting used to, but if someone is having too difficult of a time, he would be more than happy to correct the other eye to match, and then suggest reading glasses for up-close work.

Once you read into the procedures, start looking and really research the surgeon. Ask your optometrist for names of reputable laser correction surgeons in your area...that's how I got one of my names...the other two came from a corneal specialist I work for. Once you have settled on the surgeon, then go in for a consultation.

Every single one of us is different, and it is really hard to say...yes, LASIK/PRK is right for you...because there are other factors, such as corneal thicknesses, corneal surface, strength of your correction, pupil size, pre-existing eye conditions (ie glaucoma or cataracts)...all things you will find out during your initial, usually free, consultation. I suppose the glaucoma and cataracts COULD be an age limiting thing, since most people who develop either of these conditions are USUALLY a little older...but an otherwise healthy eye deemed a good candidate for the laser correction surgery...age has nada to do with it.

And honestly, given the other patients in the office where I had mine done waiting for their consults and procedures...I'd have to say that just about all of them were over 45!!

I do not believe age really has anything to do with it...they can correct for distance, and if keeping a pair of reading glasses in reach for computer or newspaper/book reading isn't really a concern to you, then go for the consultation. I'm a week out and not 20/20 yet, which is normal, but even if I do not correct any more than where I am right now...I sure as heck do not mind getting rid of the coke bottle bottoms (-8.25 right eye, -7.75 left eye) that I had last week!! A nice cute pair of reading glasses...or possibly for me driving glasses...is a very, very small price to pay for the best vision I've had without correction in my entire life.

Good luck to you! (BTW...42 is definitely NOT old)