Is
Lasik Surgery O.K for the Elderly ?
Refractive
surgery or LASIK is a procedure designed to help the elderly and
others with vision problems to find hope. New studies reveal that
LASIK surgery is one of the most efficacy and safe procedures
for correcting eye problems for patients who are 70. But, for
patients older than 70, LASIK may not be the answer.
Patients 20 and up however, reports claim there are some slight
differences. LASIK surgery is not for people over 70 according
to experts. However, there are options for elderly people. Refractive
surgeries as well as some corneal surgeries are available.
Today there are innovative scientific breakthrough and advancements
in LASIK refractive surgery. Doctors have been afforded other
choices for treating elderly patients with eye problems. Patients
who have eye problems, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism,
can find hope with Intralase.
The revolutionary breakthrough in eye surgeries, Intralase the
most recent procedures, which a femtosecond laser (bladeless knife)
is used to correct eye problems. Intralase is designed for all
regardless of age, and this is one of the safer surgeries for
correcting eye problems.
You should discuss with your doctor about the differences between
LASIK and Intralase. You can find safety alerts and other information
including about drugs, LASIK, and Intralase by visiting the “Health
and Human MedWatch services. Click here to learn more.
Aging and Eyesight Factors –
As a person ages their eyesight often starts to weaken. Some people
suffer with farsightedness, Presbyopia, or nearsightedness. Cataracts
also cause eye problems. Diseases can develop, which can affect
the eyes. Disease such as glaucoma is common for the elderly.
To reduce your risks of disease, cataracts, or other eye conditions,
you can take some action now. Setting up a healthy diet, and exercise
can reduce risks of disease tremendously. If you are at risk of
diabetes, or have diabetes it can affect your eyes negatively.
You must see your doctor regularly, exercise and eat healthy to
reduce your risks.
Despite if you have eye problems, or at risk of disease that can
affect your eyes, there is hope. LASIK surgery and Intralase are
two of the choice surgeries that can help you overcome most eye
problems. If eyeglasses or contact lens is not doing the job,
speak with your eye doctor about LASIK or Intralase.
If you are still young, you can learn some eye workouts or exercises
to improve your eyesight as well as reduce risks of eye problems
as you age.
Here are some helpful tips to improve your vision:
1. Visit
your eye doctor annually to maintain your vision and reduce risks
of disease.
2. Eat healthy
and exercise your eyes.
3. Get annual
physical checkups to reduce risks and discover potential diseases
that could affect your
vision. Catching diseases early can help you avoid complications.
4. Speak
with the LASIK surgeon prior to your surgery if you intend to
have LASIK. Discuss any risks and
benefits. Become well-versed about LASIK surgery prior to the
procedures. Learn about the disadvantages
as well as the benefits of the surgery ahead of time. Learn the
effective aftercare procedures
and follow them to the letter.
5. Before
going to screening, let your doctor know if you have a family
history of eye problems or disease
that affects the eyes.
6. Protect
your eyes from the solar or sun. Wear UV sunglasses at all times
that you are in the sun. UV
penetrates the cloudy skies including during hazy weather. Too
much sun exposure can
damage your
vision and increase risks of eye problems.
We must take care of ourselves at all times, especially
throughout our aging process which starts at 30. Healthy vision
reflects from one’s lifestyle. Eating healthy, exercise,
and daily supplements can help reduce your risks.
Questions about LASIK or Intralase surgery are
available through your doctor. Discuss with your doctor how Intralase
or LASIK can improve your vision. Also take steps by asking your
doctor to help you learn the proper ways to maintain and improve
your vision.
