Is LASIK eye surgery safe after wearing glasses for 20 years?

Hello,

If you have been wearing glasses for 20 years and want to get your eyes lasered, laser vision correction may be an option for you. These procedures can reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, wearing glasses for 20 years does not automatically mean you are suitable for laser treatment. Your age, current glasses prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health must be checked first.

Laser eye treatment is a procedure that changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye. This helps light focus more accurately on the retina at the back of the eye, improving vision.

Depending on your eye condition, laser treatment may help correct:

• Short-sightedness: You can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects look blurry.
• Long-sightedness: Nearby objects may look blurry, and focusing can be difficult.
• Astigmatism: Vision may look blurry or distorted because of the shape of the cornea.

Laser treatment does not guarantee that you will never need glasses again. Some people may still need glasses for certain activities or reading as they get older.

Which laser eye treatments are available?

The best option depends on your prescription, corneal measurements, eye health, and suitability for each procedure. Not everyone is suitable for LASIK, PRK, or SMILE.

Are you suitable for laser eye treatment after 20 years of wearing glasses?

You may be suitable, but an eye specialist must perform a detailed examination first. The doctor will generally check:

• Your age: Your prescription should generally be stable before laser correction is considered.
• Your glasses number: The doctor will check how strong your prescription is and whether it has changed recently.
• Corneal thickness and shape: The cornea must be suitable for the proposed procedure.
• Dry eyes: Existing dry eyes may need treatment before a procedure.
• Eye conditions: Problems such as keratoconus, cataracts, or certain retinal conditions may affect your suitability.
• General health: Some medical conditions and medicines can affect healing and should be discussed with your doctor.

What tests are needed before laser eye treatment?

Your eye specialist may recommend the following tests:

1. Vision test to measure your current glasses prescription.
2. Corneal topography or tomography to map the shape of your cornea.
3. Corneal thickness measurement.
4. Eye pressure measurement.
5. Assessment for dry eyes.
6. Examination of the front and back of your eyes, including the retina when needed.

These tests help the doctor decide whether laser treatment is safe and which procedure may suit you.

What precautions should you take after treatment?

• Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as directed.
• Do not rub or press your eyes.
• Wear protective eye shields if recommended, especially while sleeping during the early recovery period.
• Avoid swimming, eye makeup, and dusty environments for the period advised by your doctor.
• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Do not drive until your vision is clear and your doctor says it is safe.
• Seek urgent eye care if you develop severe pain, sudden worsening of vision, or significant redness.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth