Kevin Niksarli, M.D. at Newsight Laser Center, New York, Announces on 6/17/2009 That LASIK Remains a Viable Option for Patients Over 40
Kevin Niksarli, M.D. at Newsight Laser Center, New York, N.Y. states that baby boomers who want to eliminate or decrease their dependence on spectacles or contact lenses may consider laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery as a viable option. Although traditional LASIK has been considered less effective in individuals over 40 years of age, due to reading glasses, recent studies point to new techniques offering better outcomes for older patients.
New York, NY, June 20, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Kevin Niksarli, M.D. of Newsight Laser Center, reminds on 6/17/2009 in a meeting in New York, N.Y., that those over 40 years of age who want to eliminate or decrease their dependence on spectacles or contact lenses may consider laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery as a viable option. Even though traditional LASIK has been considered less effective in individuals over 40 years of age, due to presbyopia and accompanying reading glasses, recent studies point to new techniques offering better outcomes for this age group.
Presbyopia happens to everyone with good distance vision, even if they never used glasses before, states Kevin Niksarli, MD of Newsight Laser Center. Dr. Niksarli estimates that approximately 100 million people in the United States either have presbyopia, or will develop it by 2016. Presbyopia is caused by an age-related process.
It is different from astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, which are related to the shape of the eyeball and caused by genetic factors. Presbyopia is generally believed to result from a gradual loss of flexibility in the natural lens inside our eyes. These age-related changes occur within the lens, making it harder and less elastic over the years. Age-related changes also take place in the muscle fibers surrounding the lens. With less elasticity, the eye has a more difficulty focusing up close, adds Dr. Niksarli.
Recent studies indicate that postoperative safety, efficacy and predictability are comparable across all age groups, with and without presbyopia. Many LASIK patients over 40 opt for monovision, a strategy that offers distinct advantages in addressing presbyopia, a condition often present in an older population. In monovision, the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision, while the other eye is corrected for near vision, often eliminating or decreasing the need for reading glasses. Researchers indicate that monovision may effectively compensate for the loss of accommodation that occurs in older patients. Dr. Niksarli concludes that despite challenges unique in the 40- to 69-year age group, LASIK correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness has reasonable safety, efficacy and predictability, for those selected to be good candidates for the procedure.
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Presbyopia happens to everyone with good distance vision, even if they never used glasses before, states Kevin Niksarli, MD of Newsight Laser Center. Dr. Niksarli estimates that approximately 100 million people in the United States either have presbyopia, or will develop it by 2016. Presbyopia is caused by an age-related process.
It is different from astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, which are related to the shape of the eyeball and caused by genetic factors. Presbyopia is generally believed to result from a gradual loss of flexibility in the natural lens inside our eyes. These age-related changes occur within the lens, making it harder and less elastic over the years. Age-related changes also take place in the muscle fibers surrounding the lens. With less elasticity, the eye has a more difficulty focusing up close, adds Dr. Niksarli.
Recent studies indicate that postoperative safety, efficacy and predictability are comparable across all age groups, with and without presbyopia. Many LASIK patients over 40 opt for monovision, a strategy that offers distinct advantages in addressing presbyopia, a condition often present in an older population. In monovision, the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision, while the other eye is corrected for near vision, often eliminating or decreasing the need for reading glasses. Researchers indicate that monovision may effectively compensate for the loss of accommodation that occurs in older patients. Dr. Niksarli concludes that despite challenges unique in the 40- to 69-year age group, LASIK correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness has reasonable safety, efficacy and predictability, for those selected to be good candidates for the procedure.
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Kevin Niksarli MD, Newsight Laser Center
212 759 7500
newsightlaser.com
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