Is LASIK a Good Idea for Seniors?

Corrective eye surgery (LASIK) is the vision method of choice for many people under the age of 50.  But is it a good idea for senior citizens too?  Is there any reason why not?

Senior citizens can benefit greatly from LASIK eye surgery in Charleston.   All patients, including seniors, are screened for potential complications.  Anyone with dry eyes, for example, whether younger or older, may be disqualified from receiving LASIK surgery.  Most seniors, however, do not suffer from dry eyes as it tends to be a problem more common among the young.  Age alone does not prevent someone from corrective eye surgery.  These factors, combined with the desire to improve vision, makes LASIK a great solution for senior citizens.

Seniors citizens may find that the speed of the procedure (under an hour normally), lack of any pain and quick recovery time suits their active lifestyles.  Many people in the baby boomer generation find that the convenience and results received from LASIK surgery exceeds the expense.  Being empty nesters, they usually find it affordable and easy to manage.

The important thing is finding a LASIK surgeon that you are comfortable with and who you trust.  Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery performs LASIK surgery in Charleston.  Contact the people at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com for more information on the benefits of LASIK.

Be Sure To Follow LASIK Aftercare Instructions

Thousands of LASIK procedures are performed each day across the United States.  Most of them are performed safely and produce great results for patients.  To ensure a satisfactory result, it is important that patients follow their doctor’s aftercare instructions.

LASIK aftercare instructions generally include:

• Rest or sleep after the procedure.  It’s always best to go home and get a few hours of shut eye after the procedure.
• Take any prescription medication such as eye drops that your doctor ordered.  There is a reason you were given a prescription so don’t skip it.  Eye drops help lubricate the eye, reducing irritation and antibiotic-steroid drops reduce the chance of infection. 
•  Don’t touch or rub your eyes.  Most doctors recommend that you do not touch or rub your eyes for a couple of weeks after your procedure.
•  Wear a protective eye shield at night.  Most doctors either prescribe or provide these.  You want to keep your eyes safe and injury-free while you sleep.

If you have any questions about your LASIK procedure or aftercare instructions in Charleston, please contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.

Summer is Perfect for LASIK

Considering LASIK surgery?  Summer is a great time to get LASIK in Charleston. With schools closed for the summer break, you don’t have to worry about school commitments, pickups or car pooling. 

Although the procedure is quick, painless and features a fast recovery, blurry vision can be a short term side effect.  Companies know that employees take vacations during the summer and plan accordingly.  The summer months are usually a quiet, laid back time, allowing you to take some time off from work if you wish while you take a day to recover.

Summer is all about swimming, spending time outdoors and sports.  You want to be able to see better while enjoying all of that, right?  Who wants to swim while worrying about trying to see? Summer is a great time to get LASIK and get a jump on the swimming season.

Summer is also a great time to splurge on LASIK without worrying about upcoming holiday spending.  You’re still months away from the Christmas shopping season.  Spend a little on yourself.  Contact the LASIK professionals at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston today to schedule a consultation.  Give them a call at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.

Is LASIK Right for High Astigmatism?

Astigmatism exists when an irregularly shaped cornea or lens in the eye causes blurry vision.  High astigmatism is a more severe form, and cause reading problems, headaches and other difficulties. 

High astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts or with LASIK surgery.  As the degree to astigmatism gets higher, the choices in contact lenses gets slimmer.  According to the specialists at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston, some people just don’t like wearing contact lenses or don’t find satisfactory improvement in their vision with toric lenses for astigmatism. Others may have eyes that are too small for surgery or contacts.

Each person needs to decide the right method for them.  Most patients with high astigmatisms try different options for correction before finding the one just right for them.  Eventually, many people get tired of dealing with glasses and contact lenses and turn to LASIK for their high astigmatism.

For extremely high astigmatism, LASIK may be a very suitable option. LASIK surgery attempts to permanently correct cornea abnormalities. High astigmatic patients will often see improvement in their vision, but may still need to wear contact lenses or glasses to achieve the desired results for vision correction. Although some patients may experience trouble with night vision and sensitivity to light after LASIK, the majority of patients do great.

Only your eye doctor can tell you if you’re a good candidate for LASIK.  The people at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston are experts at LASIK surgery and will exam you to determine your suitability for LASIK corrective surgery. Give them a call.  They are happy to help.