How Old is “Too Old” for LASIK?

How Old is “Too Old” for LASIK?

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on March 12, 2019

Of all the myths about LASIK eye surgery, one of the most common is, “I’m too young for LASIK.” In reality, most people reach ocular maturity – the vision milestone when their eyes are done developing and their prescription stabilizes – at about age 18. After ocular maturity, it is unlikely that you will experience any significant change in your prescription. At this point, long-term vision correction solutions like LASIK, PRK, or SMILE become great solutions.

But what about advanced age? When is someone “too old” for LASIK? As you may have heard, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones had LASIK in 2012, at the age of 69. However, as with most things in his life, Keith was not the average.

Vision After 40 – What Vision Correction Procedure Is Right For Me?

LASIK is a powerful tool in the quest for good vision, and may be used selectively at almost any age, at the discretion of a laser vision correction surgeon. However, the likelihood that LASIK will be the best solution for a patient declines after the age of about 43.

The reason for this is that in our mid-40s, the lens on the inside of the eye begins to experience changes. These changes to the crystalline lens lead to near vision deterioration and are the first sign of dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS). DLS increases in severity over time if left untreated.

For many people 43 and older, a near vision correction solution like a corneal inlay may be best. A corneal inlay may be combined with LASIK or PRK to correct both near and distance vision. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) also becomes an option, and is highly likely to be recommended for someone 50 or older.

The RLE vision correction procedure is a long-term solution in which the eye’s degrading natural lens is removed and replaced with an advanced technological lens. This advanced lens is biocompatible and corrects for clear near, intermediate, and distance vision. RLE has the added benefit of stopping the progression of DLS, and preventing any future cataract development.

So there you have it! While there is no magical number at which a person becomes “too old for LASIK”, there are other solutions that are likely to be a better match for them as time progresses.

The RLE vision correction procedure is a long-term solution in which the eye’s degrading natural lens is removed and replaced with an advanced technological lens. This advanced lens is biocompatible and corrects for clear near, intermediate, and distance vision. RLE has the added benefit of stopping the progression of DLS, and preventing any future cataract development.

While there is no magical age when a person becomes “too old for LASIK,” there are other solutions that are likely to be a better match over time.

How to Find Out Which Laser Vision Correction Solution Is Right For You

Though vision problems are part of the aging process, there is no need to settle for blurry vision. Quality of life need not be compromised in your golden years. With today’s technology and the expertise of our vision correction surgeons, nobody is ever too old to be considered for vision correction. In fact, there are seven laser vision correction procedures – which means most people will qualify for a procedure to help them, no matter their age.

When considering laser vision correction, it is important to have a consultation with a vision correction specialist. If possible, select a vision correction surgeon who specializes in all vision correction procedures available today. At Kugler Vision, we specialize in all seven vision correction procedures, and your care recommendations will be customized to best meet your specific visual needs.

Take Charge of Your Vision – Schedule a Consultation Today

Reserve your time with our vision correction experts today! It’s easy. Simply book your appointment online by clicking this link. Or, call our friendly team at 402-558-2211. We look forward to meeting you!

Lance Kugler, MD

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.