According to the FDA, the minimum age of a person undergoing LASIK vision correction surgery is 18 years old. We recommend and often require that a patient maintains a consistent prescription for a minimum of 12 months before they may be considered as a candidate for LASIK surgery. This is to minimize the risk of vision changes after we preform LASIK surgery.
Patients in their 30s who may have previously considered LASIK usually have established a consistent lifestyle and may be more financially able to afford LASIK surgery. At this point in life patients are usually more prepared to undergo such an incredible and life-changing procedure improving the quality of life for their many remaining years.
We will eventually lose the ability to focus up close as we age. This is called presbyopia, and it usually begins around age 45. Most people will need to use bifocal or reading glasses at this age. Surgery is available for those who are bothered by glasses and want to be less dependent on them. Refractive lens exchange or clear lens exchange is a surgery to replace the natural lens in the eye that is no longer focusing near and far with an artificial lens that can focus for both near and far.
For patients over the age of 50, traditional LASIK is no longer a popular option due to the need for reading glasses and addressing presbyopia. However, Monovision LASIK can be a great option for those looking to improve their distance vision in one eye while also gaining near vision in the other eye. Monovision contact lenses may also provide excellent results as an alternative to surgery.
60 years old and over patients who experience blurry vision are recommended to schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists. The probability or developing cataracts drastically increases as we age. Cataract surgery is often the most recommended treatment plan for this age group. We are offer the most advanced Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery as well as a wide variety of premium lenses. A thorough evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists will help your decide what procedure will be best for you and your vision goals.
Our Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians are proud to offer some of the best eye care services in the area. For over 50 years, the caring, highly trained professionals at Shepard Eye Center in Santa Maria have provided comprehensive eye care using the most current, state-of-the-art techniques and procedures.