Which Laser Eye Surgery is suitable for Your Age?

When considering laser eye surgery, age is an important factor. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to get LASIK done. In addition to age, it is also important to make sure that your eye power has not changed in the last 1 year. If you fulfil both criteria, you can go through a LASIK evaluation. This evaluation involves various tests to identify if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. These tests include a detailed eye examination, a corneal mapping and a refractive error evaluation.

Laser eye surgery can be an effective way to correct your vision and improve your quality of life. But which laser eye surgery is suitable for your age? In this blog, we will discuss the different types of laser eye surgery for vision correction suitable for various ages and how they differ.

Importance of considering age as a factor when choosing laser eye surgery

When considering laser eye surgery, age should always be a factor. While there is no age limit for having a vision correction procedure after you turn eighteen, the earlier you have the procedure done, the better. Besides, after attaining 40, people naturally require glasses because of a phenomenon called presbyopia. This condition cannot be reversed with any laser procedure.

Various Ways to Remove Glasses

Choosing a glass removal procedure depends on numerous factors. Consult a doctor to check which of the following procedures suits your case the best.

LASIK

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a frequent eye surgery used to normalise eye power in cases of nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. It is a delicate procedure that should only be done by a licensed ophthalmologist. Although it is not a guarantee of perfect vision, most people who have undergone surgery report vision between 20/20 and 20/40. This makes it a great option for people who want to improve their vision without the hassle of wearing glasses or contact lenses all the time.

LASEK

LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) is a common procedure for correcting vision issues such as astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. It is a combination of the two most commonly performed procedures, LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy). This is especially used for people with high power. One of the greatest advantages of LASEK is that there are no risks associated with corneal flap complications nor with the removal of too much of the outer cornea. The results of LASEK can be incredibly effective, with near 20/40 or even better vision after surgery.

ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE is a revolutionary form of laser eye surgery used to help improve vision for people with high levels of short-sightedness. It stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and is a much less invasive form of surgery than traditional treatments. You can opt for this procedure with or without astigmatism. It is a great alternative to the more common LASIK and LASEK treatments.

ICL

The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a fine option for those with vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The lens is similar to contact lenses but can be worn for as long as there is no requisition to remove it. It is a type of phakic intraocular lens, meaning it is placed in the eye without removing the natural lens. This artificial lens is constructed of plastic and collagen called Collamer.

Robotic LASIK

Robotic LASIK is a blade-free laser refractive surgery designed to help remove higher powers from the eye, also referred to as Femtosecond LASIK. This new technology has made LASIK surgery more predictable and safe than ever before.

C3R

C3R eye surgery is a non-invasive keratoconus treatment, a degenerative eye condition characterised by a thinning and bulging of the cornea. C3R, which stands for collagen cross-linking with riboflavin, is a process by which the weakened corneal tissues are strengthened using ultraviolet light and riboflavin, thus helping to stabilise the vision in the early stages of the condition. After C3R, keratoconus patients may be recommended to undergo intacs or kera rings, both of which are surgical procedures that involve reshaping the cornea to improve vision.

VOZ and SAFE

One of the most recent laser eye surgery developments are VOZ (Variable Optic Zone) and SAFE (Shearing Applied Force Extraction).

VOZ is a revolutionary new technique that allows a laser to remove tissue more accurately and efficiently than ever before, saving more than 30% of tissue while keeping the cornea stronger and reducing the chances of side effects.

SAFE is another breakthrough surgical technique that helps to further reduce the time of the procedure. It is a bladeless, flapless and semi-robotic procedure that is painless and requires significantly less time than traditional laser eye surgery. It also leads to a faster visual recovery, and patients can resume their routine soon after the procedure.

Risks and Complications

• Dry Eyes – After LASIK and other glass removal surgeries, tear production often decreases for around the first six months. During this time, the eyes may feel dry, which can reduce the clarity of vision.
• Under corrections – If the laser does not take away enough tissue from the eye, the desired improved vision may not be achieved
• Over corrections – The laser may take away too much tissue from the eye, and it can be harder to fix.
• Flap Problems – The outer layer of the cornea may not recover properly while the flap is healing. Although there is a possibility of the complications above-mentioned, the occurrence rate is meagre.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery is an effective and safe way to correct vision issues caused by refractive errors. Several types of laser eye surgery are available today, so it is important to discuss the options with your eye doctor or ophthalmologist to determine the best choice for you. With proper care and monitoring, laser eye surgery can be a safe and effective way to improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contacts.

Need Help To Get Rid of Glasses?

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of your glasses, it’s important to understand there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re looking for a less complicated, bladeless and fast visual recovery in Laser treatment, techniques like VOZ and SAFE used in next-generation LASIK Laser are to your rescue. With these optimal options, you can return to your routine after the procedure in no time. Contact Dada Laser Eye Institute (DLEI), Pune and learn more about the procedures