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What is the most suitable age for laser surgery?

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What is the most suitable age for laser surgery

What is the most suitable age for laser surgery?

What Is the Most Suitable Age for Laser Eye Surgery?

Eye health is one of the most important factors that directly affects quality of life. Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism cause serious limitations in daily life. With the development of technology, laser eye surgeries have become one of the most effective methods for permanently solving these vision problems. 

Op. Dr. Diclehan, with his long years of experience, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right timing and method according to each individual’s eye structure.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

The Basis of Laser Technology

Laser surgery aims to correct refractive errors by reshaping the corneal layer of the eye. This allows light to focus more clearly on the retina and improves visual quality.

The Purpose of Laser Surgery

The main purpose of this treatment is to reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to modern laser technologies, treatment duration has become shorter, success rates have increased, and side effects have been minimized.

Why Is Age Important for Laser Surgery?

Stabilization of Eye Prescription

One of the most critical criteria for laser surgery is the stabilization of the eye prescription. Generally, eye numbers begin to stabilize after the age of eighteen. However, in some individuals this process may continue until the early twenties.

Developmental Period

Since changes in the eye structure continue during adolescence, undergoing laser surgery at very early ages is not recommended.

Vision Changes with Age

As age progresses, not only myopia or astigmatism but also presbyopia, which is the loss of near vision, may appear. Therefore, the most suitable age range for surgery differs from person to person.

The Most Suitable Age Ranges for Laser Surgery

Ages 18 to 24

This range is generally considered early. If the prescription has not stabilized, laser surgery may not be suitable. In some patients the eye numbers may still change at this stage.

Ages 25 to 40

According to most experts, this is the ideal age range for laser surgery. During this period, the prescription is stable and presbyopia has not yet begun.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that the highest success rate for laser surgeries is achieved in this age group.

Over 40

After the age of forty, near vision problems known as presbyopia begin. Laser surgery is still possible in this group but the choice of method may be different. For example, special techniques such as PresbyLASIK can be preferred.

The Preoperative Evaluation Process

Detailed Eye Examination

Before surgery, a detailed eye examination is performed. Corneal thickness, eye pressure, retinal health and tear amount are measured.

Stable Prescription

The prescription must have been stable for at least one year. Otherwise, the results after surgery may not be permanent.

General Health Condition

Conditions such as diabetes, immune system diseases or pregnancy may require postponing the surgery.

Laser Surgery Methods and Age Suitability

PRK

Suitable mostly for patients with thin corneas. It can be applied at younger ages but the recovery period is longer.

LASIK

One of the most frequently used methods. Provides high success between the ages of 20 and 40.

LASEK

Can be considered a combination of PRK and LASIK. Generally preferred in younger patients.

No Touch Laser

Since it is performed without contact with the eye, it is a safe option for patients with thin corneas and young individuals.

iLASIK

Provides personalized treatment. Can be applied at any age group but especially gives effective results between the ages of 25 and 40.

ReLEx SMILE

One of the most advanced methods in recent years. It is ideal for athletes or active young adults who are at high risk of trauma.
Op. Dr. Diclehan particularly recommends this method for active individuals between the ages of 20 and 35.

PresbyLASIK

Developed for patients over forty. Provides correction for both near and far vision simultaneously.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Age in Laser Surgery

Advantages of Surgery at a Young Age

It provides many years of life without glasses.
It increases visual comfort.
It brings freedom in education and career life.

Disadvantages of Surgery at a Young Age

The prescription may not yet be completely stable.
Due to presbyopia at older ages, another intervention may be needed.

Advantages of Surgery at Middle Age

The prescription is completely stable.
The highest success rate is achieved in this period.
The recovery process is fast.

Disadvantages of Surgery at Middle Age

The risk of presbyopia is approaching.
Some patients may experience more significant dry eyes.

Advantages of Surgery at an Older Age

With methods such as PresbyLASIK, both near and far vision can be corrected.
The comfort of life without glasses can be regained.

Disadvantages of Surgery at an Older Age

The risk of cataracts increases.
The recovery period may be longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Age and Laser Surgery

Can Laser Surgery Be Performed at the Age of 18?

Yes, but the prescription must be stable. Otherwise, the numbers may increase again in the following years.

Is It Advantageous to Have Laser Surgery at the Age of 30?

Yes, the results of surgery are generally very successful in this age group.

Can Laser Surgery Be Performed at the Age of 50?

Yes, it can be performed. However, problems such as presbyopia or cataract are also taken into consideration and the method is chosen accordingly.

Other Suitability Criteria Beyond Age

Corneal Thickness

Corneal thickness must be sufficient for surgery. Not every method may be suitable for those with thin corneas.

Tear Production

People without sufficient tear production may experience increased dryness after surgery.

General Eye Health

Diseases such as retinal tears, glaucoma or keratoconus may be an obstacle for surgery.

The most suitable age range for laser eye surgery is generally between 25 and 40. During this period, the prescription is stable and the best visual quality is achieved. However, age alone is not the only criterion. Each patient’s eye structure, lifestyle and expectations must be evaluated and a personalized plan should be made.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes the importance of detailed examination as well as the age factor in laser eye surgeries and determines the most suitable method for each patient. With the development of laser technologies, there are now different options suitable for every age group.