Vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism are common. Many people use glasses or contact lenses to help them see better. However, some people choose LASIK surgery to correct their vision so that they no longer need glasses or contacts. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, improving the way the eye focuses light.

During LASIK surgery, the doctor uses a laser to create a small flap in the cornea. The cornea is the clear, outer part of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina, which is at the back of the eye. The surgeon then reshapes the cornea to correct any vision problems. Once the cornea is reshaped, light can focus properly on the retina, and the person can see more clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes, and most people can go home the same day. But is it safe for everyone? Who is at greater risk? Which age group should consider having LASIK surgery? We contacted Dr. Varun Gogia, Senior Ophthalmologist, Pristine Care, who shared his insights.

Dr. Varun explains that although LASIK can be a great option for many people, it is unsuitable for people of all ages. Let’s take a look at the most common age groups and whether LASIK is safe for them.

He noted that LASIK is generally not recommended for children and teens. This is because their eyes are still developing. A person’s vision may continue to change throughout their teenage years and even into their early 20s. Performing LASIK on young eyes may not provide lasting results, and the patient may need treatment in the future. Most eye doctors recommend waiting until a person’s vision has stabilized for at least a year or two before considering LASIK.

Dr. Varun explains that for this age group, LASIK is a safe and effective option. By now, the eyes have developed normally and vision has become stable. If someone’s glasses or contacts prescription has not changed for a year or more, he or she may be a good candidate for LASIK. However, not everyone is suitable for this procedure. It is important to have a thorough eye examination to check the health of the eyes and the thickness of the cornea. People with certain eye problems such as dry eyes or thin corneas may not be good candidates for LASIK.

3. Middle-aged adults (40 to 60 years)

As people enter their 40s, they often begin to experience presbyopia, a condition that makes it difficult to see things up close. Dr. Varun explains that LASIK cannot completely correct presbyopia, so people in this age group may require reading glasses even after surgery. However, LASIK can still help correct other vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. eye health It is important to consider at this stage, situations such as cataracts may also begin to develop.

LASIK is not generally recommended for people over the age of 60, primarily because of the increased chance of other eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. Cataracts, in particular, are a condition where the lens becomes cloudy, and LASIK can’t fix it. In these cases, a separate surgery such as cataract surgery may be required to restore vision. However, if an older adult’s eyes are very healthy and there are no symptoms of cataracts or other conditions, they may still be a candidate for LASIK. Then, a detailed eye examination is necessary to determine whether surgery is a good option.

“LASIK can be a good solution for many people with vision problems, but it is not safe or suitable for everyone. Age is important in determining whether someone is a good candidate for LASIK. Children and teenagers should wait until the changes in their eyes stop, while young adults and some middle-aged people may find LASIK an effective way to correct their vision. However, older adults may need to consider other options if they have other eye conditions,” said Dr. Varun.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.