The LaserVision Correction Blog

LASIK eye surgery is increasingly becoming a clear option for patients over the age of 65. With more seniors turning to laser vision correction to treat aging vision problems like myopia and astigmatism, “too old for LASIK” has become a belief of the past. Believe it or not, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards recently underwent laser eye surgery to correct his deteriorating vision. According to an article in the Times Colonist, The 68-year-old rocker is reportedly “doing very well” following the procedure.

Though vision problems often come with the aging process, quality of life need not be compromised in your golden years. While other treatment options may be a better long-term fit for patients with cataracts, glaucoma or retinal disorders, you are never too old to be considered for LASIK or vision correction alternatives.

A recent study in the Journal of Ophthalmology reported that the safety and efficacy of LASIK procedures in patients over 70-years-old has greatly increased in recent years, including the complication rate decreasing to 1%. Depending on your condition and lifestyle, cataract surgery, corneal replacement surgery or a lens implant may be a better option. Above all, visiting an eye center specialized in offering a variety of treatments is always recommended. It is advised that older patients have a complete eye exam with a vision care specialist every 1 to 2 years to check for early signs and symptoms of diseases and test for glaucoma. Patients should also monitor and regularly check for diseases that may cause eye problems, such as diabetes.

If you think you’re too old for vision correction, think again. LASIK is just one of the possibilities for visual acuity after age 65.

Some people are under the impression that LASIK is an expensive luxury. However if you compare the cost of LASIK to the cost of the alternatives, specifically glasses or contact lenses, it is clear that LASIK is a very good value and actually saves money in the long run.

Here is an average breakdown of eye care over the span of 10 years:

Glasses

• Eye Exam $150 (every 2 years)
• Frames $450 (every two years)
• 10 Year TOTAL: $3000

Soft Disposable Lenses and Back-Up Glasses

• Initial exam with lenses $225
• Contact Lenses (each year) $200
• Eye Exam (each year) $150
• Solutions (each year) $200
• Frames (every 2 years) $450
• 10 Year TOTAL: $7975

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses and Back-Up Glasses

• Initial exam with RGP lenses $300
• Eye exam (each year) $150
• RGP contact lenses $400
• Solutions (each year) $200
• Frames (every 2 years) $450
• 10 Year TOTAL: $6450

LASIK may seem expensive in the short-term,but when you calculate how much you are paying for your current eye care over the long run, LASIK is clearly the better value.

The cost of LASIK varies for each person and heavily depends on the surgeon and technology they use. As with most things in life, to a large degree you get what you pay for! If you compromise on price then you will be compromising on quality. When it comes to eye surgery, quality is not something on which you should compromise!

One great thing about clinics like ours, LaserVision Correction in Omaha, is that we offer a variety of financing options to make eye surgery affordable for anyone. If you think you are ready to take the next step into finding a better solution for your eyes, do not let finances be an obstacle. Contact our clinic today for a free consultation.