The risks and benefits of laser vision correction shift with age, from Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Laser surgery for vision correction — also called laser refractive surgery — can free many people from their glasses and contacts, but there are special considerations that come with aging, reports the Harvard Women’s Health Watch in its July 2011 issue. The risks and benefits of laser vision correction shift around midlife, so if you’re considering laser refractive surgery, you need a thorough evaluation and frank assessment of what you stand to gain — or lose.
There are different types of laser refractive surgery, but they all correct vision by reshaping certain layers of the cornea — the clear dome at the front of the eye. Most people are satisfied with the results of laser vision correction, but it’s important to recognize certain problems and have realistic expectations. If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, certain age-related eye conditions can influence your decision to undergo the procedure, notes the Harvard Women’s Health Watch. These include:
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