Too old for laser eye surgery...

[pigletpie2177]

Interested in views on this...

I went to the opticians yesterday for a routine eye test. My prescription had changed slightly since last time but not by much. I am very short sighted (Think -7.00 ish) so absolutely need my glasses/contacts.

The optician and I discussed laser eye surgery and she basically said that at my age (mid 30s) I was probably past the point where it was worth it as I'd likely need reading glasses in 5-10 years.

Given the slight change in prescription I'm not sure I can do it right now anyway but interested as to whether people think that a valid view or whether it's standard patter from someone who is also in the glasses/contact lense selling business so might be somewhat conflicted in the discussion.

I'm afraid I don't have any advice as such but I'm in a similar position. I'm a little older than you and also have a very strong prescription. I always assumed that perhaps my eyesight would get a little better as I got older but I've been told that what's more likely is that I will need varifocals. I'm a contact lens wearer and have been since I was 13 so to suddenly have to wear glasses all the time will be odd for me! So I would consider laser surgery at this point (I'm not there yet!) because it would kind of 'reset' my eyes and then if I needed reading glasses or whatever further down the line then fine.

By the way, my sister had laser surgery in her early 40s. She's now 50 and is back wearing lenses/glasses! Her prescription was stable before the surgery. So yes don't assume having the surgery will be a permanent fix as it's just not that simple!

My friend had hers done in her late 40s, she started wearing reading glasses about 2 years ago so early 50s.

DH had intra-ocular lenses because it was cataract driven, but as he has worn bottle top glasses since he was 11, he's had his vision corrected to give him 20:20 vision from about 1m out to the horizon, and wears readers for close-up. About £6k for two eyes, done a month apart. He is much more sensitive to bright lights and sun than before, so needs decent sunnies.

I had mine done at 25. I'm 40 now and my eyes are still going strong. No glasses needed. Before I will blind as a bat without my contacts in

Alsohuman - how long after your cataract surgery could you drive again? I'm 47 and have got to have it done but my MIL said she couldn't drive for over 4 weeks after hers! That is not an option for me!!! I could maybe not drive for a week but 4 weeks would be a disaster ( lengthy school runs with no one else local to me and no bus service)

My Dad had his done last year at the same time as his cataracts. He was 71 and thought well if I am paying for cataracts as NHS wait too long (and he needed to be able to drive and see as he is Mums carer as well) might as well have that done too - he said it was bloody marvellous

He had them done about 2 days apart and cost was around 3K I think and he has 1.5 readers for anything super close.

@Brizzle, I had one eye done, then the second two weeks later, so it was six weeks in total before l could drive again. In my case it was a moot point as my sight was so poor it was recommended that l didn’t drive before the surgery. I seriously recommend you get it done asap, the deterioration in my sight was shockingly fast in the last six months. You can choose when you get it done if you’re paying - it’s the best money l’ve ever spent - maybe at the start of the school holidays?

I’ve got impeccable close and middle distance sight and wear glasses for driving, cinema, etc. You can choose how you want your sight to work.

My mum had it done in her fifties, and yes, she did need reading glasses, but you can pick them up very cheaply. Also it's easier to pop them on for reading than it is wearing them all the time.
I had mine done about 12 years ago. Best thing I did.

@also - I’m getting it done privately but they aren’t having me back for second consultation until August as they don’t want to rush into things and want to monitor how quickly mine is progressing. I know I’m young to need it doing and don’t mind getting it done but the bloody faff and inconvenience to life & family is worrying me atm

Hi.

I had -7.5 prescription and had them lasered 13 years ago at 30. Best thing I ever did. I had thin corneas and not many places could do my surgery. Nico try : www.accuvision.co.uk/m/

I think if I had a small prescription and was 40ish then I'd think carefully - but I think it's a big difference between wearing thick -7.5 lenses and thin -2 lenses.

At the time, I'd just come off the pill as ttc and my skin was awful. Suffering with hay fever so couldn't wear my contact lenses.

My optician says I'm still a couple of years from needing reading glasses but will happily wear lightweight glasses when needed.

I get that. If l were you l'd get that consultation brought forward. One of the reasons for paying is to choose when you have it done. You'll be blown away when it's done. It's like being reborn.