Laser Eye Surgery in Your 20s vs. 40s: What’s the Difference?

Laser eye surgery has become super common over the last decade. You probably know someone who’s had it done and raved about how good it is not having to rely on glasses or contact lenses anymore.

Your age can play a big role in how it all works, though. People in their 20s and people in their 40s come in with totally different eyes. That can change what kind of laser vision correction is best for them, what the recovery might be like, and what to expect down the track.

Our laser eye surgery clinic in Auckland has helped thousands of Kiwis across all age groups get rid of glasses or contact lenses for good. If you’re tossing up the idea of laser eye surgery, this article walks you through what to expect in your 20s vs. your 40s.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery refers to laser vision correction. It’s used to fix things like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. While there are various kinds of laser eye surgery, the goal is always to get your eyes working properly so you don’t need glasses or contact lenses anymore.

The most common kind of laser surgery is called LASIK surgery. During this laser procedure, your eye surgeon uses a super precise laser (called a femtosecond laser) to create a tiny flap on the surface of your eye. Then another laser (an excimer laser) reshapes the clear front part of your eye (your cornea) so it can focus light properly. It’s quick. It’s safe. And if your eyes are a good fit, the results can be life-changing. Laser eye surgery doesn’t work for everyone, though. That’s where age comes in.

Why Age Matters in Eye Surgery

Your eyes change as you get older. And it's not just about needing stronger glasses. The actual shape of your eye, the way it focuses, even the way it heals, shifts over time.

In your 20s, you’re usually dealing with things like myopia or astigmatism. Laser eye surgery works well here because the eye is usually still healthy and strong, and the issues are typically straightforward.

By your late 40s, new things start to show up. You might start holding your phone further away to read the screen. That’s presbyopia. Dry eyes are more common too. Of course, these things don’t mean you can’t have laser surgery. But they do change what kind of results you’ll get and what kind of laser vision correction your eye surgeon might recommend.

It’s also about thinking ahead. If you’re in your 20s and you fix your vision now, you might be able to ditch contact lenses and glasses early. You can enjoy more years of clear vision. In your late 40s, you might have worn glasses for a while already. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late. It just means the plan might look a little different.

The good news is that laser eye surgery can work well in your 20s, 40s, and beyond. But the approach isn’t always the same.

Laser Eye Surgery in Your 20s

As mentioned, the most common vision problems we see in patients in their 20s are short-sightedness and astigmatism. And both are pretty easy to fix with laser eye surgery. If your prescription’s been stable for a year or two, you’re probably a good candidate.

It's worth noting, however, that sometimes your eyes are still changing a bit in your early 20s. That’s why we often suggest waiting until your mid-20s, just to make sure the results of your laser vision correction last.

The big win here is freedom. A lot of people in their 20s are active, starting new jobs, and travelling lots. So, sorting your vision early can make life way easier. Plus, you bounce back fast. Most people this age heal very quickly and get back to work or uni within a day or two. It’s usually a smooth ride.

Laser Eye Surgery in Your 40s

In one's 40s myopia or astigmatism are still common, but presbyopia often kicks in too. That’s when it gets harder to see things up close, like reading your phone or a menu.

Dry eyes can be more common at this age too, and your overall eye health might not be quite the same as it was 20 years ago. It's nothing to stress about, though. Plenty of people still have laser surgery in their 40s, and beyond. You might just have a few more things to think about.

Your eye surgeon might recommend a lens replacement procedure or even implantable contact lenses instead of standard LASIK. The plan really depends on your eyes and your lifestyle. The recovery’s still pretty quick. You might take a little longer than someone in their 20s, but most people are back to normal routines within a couple of days.

The main thing here is that, in your 40s, you’re not too old. Your eyes are just at a different stage. And that’s something a good eye clinic knows how to work with.

Laser Eye Surgery Auckland

The truth is, there's no perfect age to fix your eyes. There's just the right time for your eyes. And that’s something we’re pretty good at figuring out.

At Re:vision, we see people in their 20s, 40s, 50s and beyond every week. Some want to stop mucking around with contact lenses. Others are tired of switching between glasses for distance and reading. Everyone’s eyes are different, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach.

We offer the full range of vision correction options, including LASIK, PRK, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, and implantable contact lenses. So, whatever stage of life you’re in, we’ll match you with a plan that actually suits your eyes, your health, and your lifestyle.

Our eye surgeons are some of the most experienced in the country. You’ll be looked after by the same team from start to finish. Plus, we explain everything clearly, and we’re always honest! If laser eye surgery isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you.

Ready to find out if your eyes are good candidates? Book a free assessment with us. It doesn’t cost a thing to check. 

Thinking of getting Laser Eye Surgery? Talk to our specialists: Book your free assessment

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