Can You Get LASIK At Any Age?

One of the most frequent questions our eye care team is asked is: “Can I get LASIK at any age?” Let’s find out!

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular surgical procedure aimed at correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for many individuals, there are several factors to consider regarding age eligibility.

Traditionally, LASIK has been most commonly performed on individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. This age range is often considered ideal because it’s when the eyes have typically stabilized in terms of their prescription. However, this doesn’t mean LASIK is off-limits for those younger or older.

For younger individuals, particularly those in their late teens, the concern is whether your vision has stabilized. Since vision tends to fluctuate during adolescence, undergoing LASIK too early can result in the need for further corrective procedures later on. Eye surgeons typically recommend waiting until the mid-20s when the prescription is more likely to have stabilized.

On the other end of the spectrum, age-related changes in vision become more prevalent as individuals get older. People over 40 have presbyopia, the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. While LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, it does not address presbyopia. Therefore, individuals over 40 may still require reading glasses after LASIK surgery. However, there are alternatives such as monovision LASIK or blended vision LASIK, which can address both distance and near vision for some patients.

While age is a factor, the most critical consideration for LASIK candidacy is the overall health of the eyes. Candidates must have stable vision for at least one year before undergoing LASIK surgery. Additionally, they should not have any eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus, which could interfere with the healing process or the effectiveness of the procedure.

Another factor in LASIK eligibility is corneal thickness. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue using a laser. Therefore, individuals with thin corneas may not be suitable candidates for LASIK as there may not be enough tissue to safely correct their vision. However, advancements in technology have led to procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), which may be viable options for those with thinner corneas.

Ultimately, the best way to determine LASIK eligibility is through a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an experienced eye surgeon. They will assess various factors such as corneal thickness, prescription stability, overall eye health, and individual lifestyle needs to determine whether LASIK is the right choice.

If you’ve been considering LASIK surgery, come talk to us at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. We’ll discuss all the options, including age-related matters, to see if LASIK is right for you. We’ll also answer any questions you might have about the procedure and recovery time. LASIK offers numerous benefits, so come in to see our eye surgeons to evaluate your specific case.