LASIK is a surgery for the eyes as a form of treatment. It is a popular surgery to correct vision for short-sightedness or far-sightedness, along with astigmatism. In this article, we will focus on the possibility of LASIK for seniors and the processes involved.
What is LASIK?
Firstly, it is important to establish what LASIK is.
For a person to see clearly, the light rays should travel through your cornea and lens. Then, these would refract the light to land on the retina, so that the retina can translate the light into signals to become images. However, when there is a refractive error, the light is unable to bend properly. This causes a blurring of vision. Therefore, with LASIK, the laser is able to change the corner shape and improve the refraction of the light rays in the eyes.
Can LASIK fix all age-related eye conditions?
LASIK is a recognised treatment for eye conditions. However, it is not able to fix all age-related eye conditions. This is a quick rundown of what can or cannot be fixed by LASIK:
Conditions that can be treated by LASIK
As LASIK is catered to correct refractive errors, these are some of the conditions that it can treat. It is necessary to note that refractive errors are not equated to eye diseases, as it is based on the eye shape or structure.
- Myopia
Otherwise known as short-sightedness, this condition is when a person can see nearby objects but are unable to view faraway objects. It is a common issue in society. Usually, glasses or contact lenses with a minus prescription are used to counter the issue.
- Hyperopia
This is also known as far-sightedness. As such, this is defined as being able to see faraway objects but being unable to view nearby items. Then, a plus prescription would be given with glasses or contact lenses to correct it.
- Astigmatism
This is a condition that can incur blurred vision at all distances. This is due to the cornea or lens that is curved more steeply in one direction compared to the other. Interestingly, it is a condition that cannot be worsened through squinting, reading in poor light conditions or looking at a screen too closely.
- Presbyopia
This is an age-related condition, where the eyes begin to lose the focusing function of nearby objects. This often happens after the age of 40. For persons with perfect vision, this would become an especially frustrating situation.
Conditions that cannot be treated by LASIK
As LASIK is not a cure-all for all eye conditions, it is vital to recognise conditions that LASIK cannot correct.
- Amblyopia
As this is a condition known as lazy eye, this is a muscle-related issue and is often found in children. Although LASIK could be considered, the corrected vision is ultimately achieved after the surgery if there is the continued use of glasses or contact lenses.
- Cataracts
This is a disease of the lens, therefore LASIK is not able to remedy the condition. If the condition of a person’s cataracts is severe, surgery may be required (but not with the LASIK method).
- Glaucoma
This is a disease that affects the optic nerve. In serious cases, it can result in vision loss and blindness. While LASIK may be considered, it only improves vision and would not treat the root cause of glaucoma itself.
- Keratoconus
Vision becomes blurry and distorted if keratoconus happens. This incident involves the cornea thinning out and bulging in a cone-like shape. A person with keratoconus should not have LASIK surgery, as this would worsen the condition.
Who can go for LASIK?
- Healthy eyes. Eyes that have other infections such as dry eye, injury or inflammation should be fixed before going for the surgery. This is important to determine how well the eyes would heal after LASIK surgery.
- Suitable prescription. The range of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism should be within the treatable range. This is determined by the eye surgeon.
- Thick cornea. The cornea should be thick enough to withstand the LASIK procedure. LASIK may incur an abnormal thinning of the cornea in some people.
- Within the age range. A person’s vision usually stabilises by the age of 25. Then, you may go for LASIK if it is considered in your treatment. Seniors are also able to go for LASIK if they are generally healthy.
- Average-sized pupils. Large-sized pupils may get post-LASIK symptoms such as halos and glares.
- Good health. Those with autoimmune or degenerative diseases such as arthritis, AIDS and Type 1 Diabetes are not likely to be eligible for LASIK.
- Not pregnant or nursing. Hormonal changes in the body due to pregnancy and nursing may alter the shape of the cornea. This would result in short-term vision changes.
If you are going for an eye evaluation, you would be meeting with a coordinator or an eye surgeon. Tests involved to measure your eye’s suitability will be carried out. If you are someone who wears contact lenses, refrain from wearing contact lenses at least a few days before the evaluation procedure.
Preparing for LASIK Surgery
It can be useful to gather information while preparing for LASIK surgery, to understand one’s own expectations. Firstly, LASIK surgery is not painful. You would be given numbing eye drops for both eyes. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure but you should not be feeling pain. You may be given medication for its calming effect.
In addition, you should expect the surgery costs involved. Most insurance does not cover it. You should not be driving home after the procedure in case of medical effects. It is highly advisable to arrange for someone to bring you to and fro. Lastly, it is expected to keep your eye area free from makeup a few days before the surgery to minimise the risk of infection or irritation.
During the procedure, you would be requested to lie in a reclining chair. It is usually completed within 30 minutes. An instrument will be used by the doctor to hold your eyelids open after the numbing drops are placed in your eyes. A laser will be used to create a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea, allowing it to be folded back. This permits access to the cornea that requires reshaping so that it is able to more accurately focus light on the retina. After which the necessary is done, the flap will be laid back in place. The cornea should be given time to heal naturally.
Getting Professional Help After Your LASIK Surgery
After the surgery, it is common to feel a sense of itching or burning in the eyes. However, it should go away quickly. You would be given a post-op eye exam to assess whether the surgery was successful. There will be a few visits to the eye doctor to confirm the healing progress of your eyes. In some cases, you may be given a plastic shield to protect your eyes while sleeping.
You should have sufficient rest after your LASIK surgery. It is advisable to take time off work and from strenuous activities to avoid any unintentional harm. Your vision may seem fuzzy and hazy for a few days after the surgery. Your eyes may also be sensitive to light.
- Impaired night vision (you may see halos or starbursts, especially when driving)
- Dry eyes
- Reading glasses after a few years is a natural byproduct of ageing
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Infection of the eyes
- Under or overcorrection, which means that glasses or contact lenses are needed to correct the vision
- Complications with the “flap” during the surgery
- Small pink or red patches of blood on the white of the eye (goes away in time)
How Do I Care for Someone after LASIK Surgery?
Perhaps you are not the person considering LASIK surgery, but someone else. These are some of the ways in which you could be helpful, no matter whether the person is a senior or not:
- Purchase extra eye drops (in case of dry eye)
- Pre-plan their meals to make it easier on them, with disposable utensils
- Prepare entertainment that does not require visual focus (podcast, audiobooks, music, more)
- Limit phone usage and increase text font to avoid straining
- Offer transportation
- Offer to help with house chores and activities
- Give encouragement to the patient who has undergone the surgery and rejoice in their healing milestones
These are some of the ways to show support and care for someone after the surgery. LASIK is an option for many who wish to correct their vision with minimal side effects.
Post-LASIK care with Homage
Our trained care professionals are able to provide companionship, nursing care, night caregiving, and more so that your loved ones can recover better post-LASIK surgery.
Provide the best care to your loved one today!
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