What’s the Best Age to Get LASIK?

If you have a vision problem, you probably spend significant time wondering whether you qualify for LASIK. For the right candidate, refractive surgery can be an excellent way to fix refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism without needing corrective eyewear.

Is There an Age Limit for LASIK?

While LASIK has no age limit, FDA regulations require you to be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure. However, vision stability is more important in determining your suitability for laser eye surgery. Your eye surgeon will assess your eyes and vision during your pre-op consultation to ensure the stability of your prescription. The doctor will perform a refraction test to measure the amount of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. Eye experts usually recommend refractive surgery for patients with a stable prescription for at least one or two years. That is critical in ensuring the long-term success of the surgery results. If you are in good general health and qualify as a good candidate for LASIK, nothing should stop you from enjoying sharper vision.

The Best Age to Get LASIK

Although you must be at least 18 years old to have LASIK, eye experts recommend waiting several years. That will give your prescription time to stabilize, especially if you have a refractive error. Many people who choose this procedure are nearsighted. Myopia tends to worsen in childhood and during early adulthood. So, it is best to undergo regular eye examinations for at least two years before your eye surgery to ensure your prescription is stable. There is no best age to get LASIK. However, there are several guidelines to consider before undergoing the procedure.

Ages 18 to 25

Your prescription should be stable before you undergo refractive surgery. That way, your vision will not change due to age after your treatment. Many people between 18 and 25 still experience regular prescription changes. However, everyone’s vision is different. Your vision may stabilize before you turn 25 or it may not. Your eye doctor will recommend surgery if your prescription remains unchanged for at least one year.

Ages 25 to 40

Most eye surgeons consider this the best age range for refractive surgery. You should ensure your vision information is current since most eye surgeons require at least one year of stable vision. Undergoing regular comprehensive eye exams is the best way to update your vision prescription.

Ages 40 to 55

Your vision may begin to change again in your 40s due to presbyopia. With this condition, certain eye parts become weaker or stiffer, making it difficult to focus on near objects. Standard laser eye surgery for distance vision will not correct this problem. However, there are options like multifocal and monovision LASIK.

Ages 55 and Older

Laser eye surgery is still an option for individuals in this age group as long as they are in good health. However, several risk factors may rule out your eligibility. Some of these include cataracts and glaucoma.

Conclusion

Generally, if you have good ocular and general health, the correct corneal anatomy, a stable prescription, and are over 18, you cannot be too old for laser eye surgery. Eye surgeons evaluate prospective patients on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they qualify. Whether you are 25 or 85, you may qualify for the procedure.

For more on LASIK, visit Shepard Eye Center at our Santa Maria, Lompoc, Solvang, or Orcutt, California offices. Call (805) 667-0100, (805) 793-1800, (805) 410-9998, or (805) 937-9532 to schedule an appointment today.