Age Qualifications for Lasik Surgery in Orange County
With an outstanding success rate of 96%, Lasik surgery in Orange County can help people of all ages achieve 20/20 vision or better. Lasik remains one of the most effective ways to correct issues like astigmatism, farsightedness, and near-sightedness. In most cases, it completely removes the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
As with any other surgery, however, a big concern among potential patients is age. While there is no universal age qualification for Lasik, certain factors related to age can help determine if one is a good candidate or not.
Age Considerations for LASIK
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) does not approve eye procedure for individuals under 18, except for rare instances. Young eyes are still changing and developing, and successful corrective eye surgery in Orange County is best done once the eyes have reached ocular maturity.
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18-24 Years of Age
Individuals past 18 are already eligible for Lasik eye surgery. However, many providers encourage patients to wait until their mid-20s to ensure that their prescriptions have already stabilized. You can still be approved for the surgery provided that you meet qualifications such as:
♦ No eye injuries or infections for at least a year
♦ Stable prescription for a minimum of one year
♦ Scar-free cornea
♦ Not pregnant
♦ Can stare at a fixed object for at least a minute
♦ No autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or HIV
Once your Lasik surgeon is confident that you meet all the qualifications, then you can receive the green light for Lasik eye surgery in Orange County as early as 18 years old.
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25-40: The Ideal Age Range
Many Lasik surgeons in Los Angeles agree that your mid-20s up to your 40s is the ideal age for the procedure. By this time, vision has largely stabilized, preventing the need to re-treat the eyes after Lasik. To enjoy clear vision, it’s better to get the surgery sooner than later once you hit this age range.
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40 Above
Around middle age, most people naturally begin to develop presbyopia, which is reduced ability to focus on objects up close. Getting Lasik at this time will give you excellent distance vision, but you may also need reading glasses for close vision. It’s still possible to regain perfect vision during this age, so consult your Lasik surgeon about your options.
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Lasik for seniors
There is no age limit for Lasik surgery – there are records of patients as old as 85 years of age successfully undergoing the procedure. However, since cataracts become more likely to develop for older patients, it’s recommended to treat this issue first before undergoing Lasik eye surgery.
Otherwise, you’re never too old to benefit from this life-changing surgery as long as you’re healthy and meet the criteria.
Don’t Let Age Hold You Back from Seeing Clearly
At the end of the day, only your Lasik surgeon in Orange County can determine if you qualify for the procedure. Get answers to all your Lasik-related questions by calling Excel Laser Vision Institute at + (818) 907-8606 today!
Candidates Who May Need Urgent Lasik Surgery in Orange County
Almost everyone who suffers from poor vision can benefit from Lasik surgery in Orange County. If you’re in good health, over 18 years old, and have stable vision for at least one year, then you’re most likely a good candidate for this procedure. However, for some people, it’s better to go for Lasik surgery sooner than later.
Who Should Get Lasik Surgery ASAP
When it comes to eyesight, getting issues corrected as soon as possible is always beneficial in the long run. Problems like myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism only get worse with time, and wearing contacts or eyeglasses simply slow down the process.
Yet for some people, the cost of vision problems are simply too high to put off Lasik surgery for long:
- Parents
Being a parent requires you to be on top of your game 24/7, and having poor vision can significantly affect your daily tasks. It can also compromise safety, especially when driving at night. Getting laser eye surgery early on will help you manage your responsibilities better and take care of your family.
- Athletes
People who keep an active lifestyle but are suffering from poor eyesight may find themselves severely limited when it comes to activities they can participate in. Playing contact sports like basketball, volleyball, and football can be difficult when you wear eyeglasses or contacts. Activities like diving can get expensive when you need to buy special eyeglasses.
Laser eye surgery allows you to focus on your performance instead of settling for what you can play with the current state of your eyes.
- Seniors
Our vision naturally declines as we grow older, but it can hit seniors especially hard. Vision problems can severely hamper their independence. It can also compromise their safety, such as being unable to read prescriptions or ingredients correctly, or bumping into things while moving around. Fortunately, there is no upper age limit when it comes to laser eye surgery in Orange County, and it carries very little risk even for elderly patients.
- Students
Going to school, intensive reading, research, and writing papers can take a serious toll on a student’s eyesight. In fact, studies have linked bad eyesight with reduced academic performance and life satisfaction. While Lasik surgery is certainly an investment, Lasik financing in Los Angeles makes the procedure more accessible to students in the area.
- Employees
Some jobs, such as working with computers, restaurant, and construction are more visually demanding than others. There’s evidence that employees with poor eyesight exhibit reduced productivity, file more sick leaves, and are generally unhappier than their counterparts. If this sounds familiar to you, then it might be time to talk to a Lasik surgeon in Orange County to improve your work life and performance.
Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Lasik Surgery
The benefits of laser eye surgery can completely transform your life, much more so if you’re part of the groups described above. Schedule a consultation with our laser eye surgeon here at Excel Laser Vision Institute to discuss your options. Call + (818) 907-8606 to speak with a representative today.
Surprising Benefits of Lasik Surgery in Orange County
Lasik surgery in Orange County is one of the best ways to restore great eyesight. For people who’ve undergone Lasik surgery, some of the most significant impacts came from things that otherwise might go unnoticed. (more…)
Revitalize Your Job Performance with Lasik Surgery in Orange County
Poor vision has no place in the workplace. In fact, studies on employees with vision problems arrived at an alarming conclusion: that poor vision severely damages their job performance and career prospects. If you have astigmatism, farsightedness, and similar issues, Lasik surgery in Orange County can be your ticket to greater job satisfaction and excellence. (more…)
Lasik Surgery in Orange County Can Help You Read with Ease
Is your reading vision causing you problems? It’s time to consider Lasik surgery in Orange County. Once you hit your 40s, you may have noticed that your vision is starting to blur when performing tasks at close distances, such as reading the paper, scanning e-mails, and checking out the fine print on labels. At the very least, this can be annoying and inconvenient. However, you may also start experiencing eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue as a result.
If you already have prescription glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses for your reading vision, then you’re already familiar with the hassle and stress they bring to the table. Fortunately, there are now better and more effective options for vision improvement, with corrective eye surgery in Orange County being one of the top alternatives.
Who’s at risk for reading problems?
Short answer: everyone.
All of us will experience some form of vision problems for the simple reason that the lenses and muscles in our eyes become less flexible as we grow older. It becomes more challenging to see things up close and to change focus.
There are some factors, however, that increase this risk, such as:
- Family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma
- Eye-hazardous occupations
- Visually-demanding jobs, such as those that require you to work with computers for hours on end
- Chronic high blood pressure or diabetes
- Side effect of medication for thyroid, high cholesterol, arthritis, and other health conditions
How can you tell if your reading vision is starting to deteriorate?
Of course, a couple of instances of blurry vision do not automatically mean that your vision is declining. On the other hand, here are some warning signs you should watch out for:
- Difficulty reading: you start having problems reading printed materials and doing close work
- Need for more light: you need more light than you used to whenever you’re doing visual tasks
- Glare problems: you start noticing halos or glare around headlights at night, or off of sun reflections during daytime
- Color perception issues: it becomes challenging to differentiate color shades
It’s always better to catch and solve eye problems early on, especially when it comes to your reading ability. If you experience one or more of these symptoms for a significant amount of time, schedule a visit with an eye care professional as soon as you can.
Get Back Your Vision
If you’ve never had to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses before, then experiencing reading problems after you turn 40 can be incredibly frustrating and concerning. It can interfere with many aspects of your life, such as performing your work tasks right down to the simple things like reading books.
It’s important to note that cumbersome eyeglasses, contact lenses, and bifocals are not your only option to regain clear reading vision. Millions of people around the world are turning to corrective eye surgery for a painless, fast, and effective solution.
If you think you’re the right candidate for corrective eye surgery, you may be right. The best eye surgeon in Orange County will help you explore your options, so feel free to drop by the Excel Laser Vision Institute for a consultation.
In Your 40s? You’re Not Too Young for Cataract Surgery in Orange County
Cataracts manifest mostly in the elderly, usually after hitting 60 years old. So if you’re still in your 40s, you shouldn’t be thinking about undergoing Lasik surgery in Orange County, right? Not so fast.
According to Dr. David Chang, Clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, around 2% of patients that undergo cataract surgery are in their 40s. That number may seem negligible, but note that these are just individuals with cataracts mature enough to interfere with their lifestyle. Many people around this age are already developing cataracts in one or both eyes, and are simply not aware of it.
How Cataracts can Catch You Unaware
A recent study in Minnesota’s Olmsted County focused on cataract surgeries done in the last four years. They found that more and more people under the age of 65 are having cataract surgeries done, comprising 20% of patients in that single county alone.
Cataract symptoms start out as minor inconveniences. It might start out as haziness in the eyes that’s blamed on contact lenses or dirt. You might be driving one day, and the street signs suddenly become a little bit blurry. You might experience an annoying glare or halo effect when you’re out at night. Or your vision might not be as good as before, and you start thinking about getting new prescription glasses.
All of these can be early symptoms of cataract formation. One of the biggest problems with this condition is that most don’t get an eye exam until the symptoms seriously interfere with their day-to-day functioning.
People in Their 40s Don’t Want to Slow Down
If you’re in your 40s, you probably don’t want anything to slow down your active lifestyle. You’re busy with work, the kids, your social commitments, and countless other things that you love doing. You might be worried that undergoing cataract surgery in Orange County will completely change that amazing routine.
Here’s good news for you. Advancements in cataract surgery have made it as convenient as running to the store— precise, pain-free, and leads to rapid recovery.
Are You Experiencing these Cataract Symptoms?
In the beginning, that cloudiness in your vision can seem like something you can blink away. As the cataract grows bigger, however, it will affect a larger part of your eye lens. Here are some warning signs that a cataract might be looming in your near future:
- Dim or blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare and light
- Presence of halos around the source of light
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Double vision
- Repeated changes in contact lens or eyeglass prescription
- Difficulty seeing at night
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, consider visiting Excel Laser Vision Institute as soon as you can. From the initial consultation to the day you walk out our doors after your laser eye surgery in Orange County or Los Angeles, you can expect our expert eye surgeons to be thoroughly involved in your care.
Call us today at +1 866 923 9235. Let’s talk about restoring your vision so you can go back to your lifestyle without missing a beat!
Everything You Need to Know About LASIK Surgery
Ever wondered about the buzz on LASIK surgery in Orange County and across Southern California? LASIK is a popular eye treatment for people with vision problems. If you are considering undergoing laser eye surgery, be sure that you know all the fine details first. Let us discuss the things you need to know about LASIK.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. It is one of the various surgical techniques that are used to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems. This procedure is designed to reduce vision problems. During the surgery, an excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea with computer-controlled precision.
cor·nea
: the outermost layer of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupils
: it is a highly organized tissue that acts as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other particles that can harm the eye
Certain conditions, such as injuries, allergies, and dryness, affect the cornea; thus, causing vision problems. Thanks to LASIK surgery, common vision problems can now be easily resolved. Many people in Orange County consider laser eye surgery as a revolutionary procedure as it eliminates the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses in performing everyday tasks.
What are the advantages of LASIK surgery?
With laser eye surgery, common vision problems are becoming less of an issue. In Orange County, LASER eye surgery is mostly performed on individuals who are near-sighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatism. Here are some of the advantages of undergoing laser eye procedure.
- No Bandages or Stitches
LASIK is associated with little to no pain. Another advantage is it requires no bandages or stitches, hence living no marks of eye procedure on your face. - Improved Vision
For some, the best or highest degree of vision can only be achieved by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most patients in areas, such as Orange County, who have undergone LASIK surgery have reported a dramatic decline in eyeglass or contact lens dependence. A large number have also said that after surgery, they no longer need vision support at all. - Safe Procedure
LASIK eye surgery has been around for over 25 years. Around 96% of patients who have undergone this surgery have achieved their desired vision. With further enhancements and the latest technologies, this percentage will increase.
Although many people have gained the benefits of undergoing eye procedure, a big population is also clueless about it. LASIK is commonly confused with cataract surgery. Do not be confused, though. Let us differentiate the two.
LASIK vs. Cataract Surgery
Laser eye surgery and cataract surgery are two different procedures.
How do they differ?
LASIK is the most common laser eye surgery. This procedure is typically performed on both eyes in the same session. LASIK surgery is not an option for individuals with cataract.
On the other hand, as most people in Orange County know, cataract surgery is a treatment applied to the lens of the eye. Unlike LASIK, cataract surgery corrects near-sightedness and farsightedness but not astigmatism. Its primary function is to remove the cloudy lens inside the eye and replace it with a clear plastic implant.
How are they the same?
Both procedures incorporate lasers in at least some of the surgical steps, providing patients with 20/20 vision or even better. These two procedures are also performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. Lastly, there is no recovery time for these two procedures.
Answers to Common LASIK Questions
To end our discussion about LASIK, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the procedure.
- LASIK is a safe procedure. It was approved in 1995 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and since then, no laser vision correction surgery complications have yet been filed.
- It is a pain-free procedure. Many patients are surprised to not feel any pain during their surgery. This is because anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye before the surgery.
- Depending on your condition. You can resume normal activities the following day. Most patients are able to see clearly a day or two after the surgery.
Now that we’ve discussed everything you need to know about LASIK eye surgery, the next thing you need to do is to consult your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Do you have more questions? Schedule a consultation with our resident doctor, and learn more about the procedure.
4 Ways to Know If You Need to Undergo LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is the most common laser vision correction procedure in the United States. In fact, out of all refractive procedures in the U.S., 96% of them involve LASIK surgery. It’s not difficult to see why LASIK surgery in Orange County is so popular. It boasts an exceptional success rate and presents a negligible risk of complications. All of these make LASIK surgery an excellent option for many people struggling with vision problems.
LASIK surgery is an optional procedure. Some people prefer to undergo LASIK surgery early on to correct their vision, while some try to postpone it for as long as they possibly can. When you decide to undergo LASIK surgery is up to you, but there are certain situations when undergoing surgery the soonest possible is much better than leaving it for a later date.
When should LASIK surgery be your top priority?
Here are a few scenarios when going through LASIK surgery should be a priority:
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Moderate to Severe Nearsightedness/Farsightedness
Changes in vision are a part of the aging process. While prescription glasses help correct milder versions of nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), they are often not an ideal choice for some people with severe cases of either vision problem. Glasses with high grades are often uncomfortable to wear, and the discrepancy between wearing glasses and not wearing them can be quite jarring, with some people experiencing dizziness or even vertigo. In such cases, corrective eye surgery in Orange County may be a better option.
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Large Discrepancies in Astigmatism
Astigmatism is another vision problem that affects a large number of Americans. The condition occurs when the cornea flattens or curves at different rates. It isn’t uncommon for astigmatism to affect both eyes at different rates. However, if the discrepancy between the two eyes becomes too large, it may lead to nausea and migraines. Severe astigmatism can also make it difficult to see at night due to blurry vision. Although prescription glasses may help correct astigmatism, it does not address the actual issue. As such, astigmatism may progress further. LASIK surgery offers a longer-lasting solution.
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Your Employment Status Depends on Your Eyesight
Some careers require people to have a near perfect vision at all times; an example is airplane pilot. Unfortunately, refractive errors can still affect these people. In some cases, wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses may not be ideal for these professionals as they can interfere with their work. If the same applies to you, it might be best to undergo LASIK surgery in Orange County as soon as possible.
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You’ve Been Told to Undergo LASIK Surgery, But Haven’t Done So Yet
Some people have already been recommended to undergo corrective eye surgery in Orange County in the past, but have yet to do so. Reasons may vary, with some people simply unsure about the risks of LASIK technology during its earlier years, while others simply did not have the time or resources to undergo the procedure in the past. Now is the perfect time to get LASIK surgery. The technology surrounding the procedure has improved by leaps and bounds over the last decade, significantly reducing risks and complications.
Take note that you do not necessarily need to experience any of the above before you can opt to undergo LASIK surgery. The procedure is completely elective after all. If you are interested to see if LASIK surgery is a viable option for you, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our resident surgeon, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa.