Is There An Age Limit For LASIK Eye Surgery?

Lots of people come in to our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania offices and ask: Is there an age limit for LASIK eye surgery? While there isn’t a strict age limit for LASIK, certain factors can influence a person’s eligibility for the surgery. In this article, we’ll explore the considerations related to age and LASIK surgery.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a popular and effective procedure for correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The following are factors to consider:

• Minimum Age Requirement: There is no set minimum age for LASIK surgery, but candidates should be at least 18 years old. This is because the eyes are still developing during childhood and adolescence, and it’s important to ensure that the prescription for vision correction has stabilized before considering LASIK.
• Prescription Stability: The primary factor that determines eligibility for LASIK is the stability of your prescription. This stability typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should remain relatively unchanged for at least one to two years before undergoing the surgery. This is crucial because LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, so our surgeons want no changes in your prescription leading up to the procedure.
• Age-Related Vision Changes: As you age, your eyes naturally undergo changes that can affect your vision. Conditions like presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus on close objects, typically start becoming noticeable around age 40. While LASIK can correct distance vision, it may not address presbyopia. However, LASIK combined with monovision (correcting one eye for distance and the other for close-up vision) can be an option for some patients.
• Health Considerations: Regardless of age, overall eye health is a crucial factor in LASIK candidacy. Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye may disqualify you from undergoing LASIK. Your eye surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your eye health and determine whether LASIK is an appropriate option for you.
• Lifestyle and Expectations: Your lifestyle and vision expectations also play a role in the decision to undergo LASIK. If you are involved in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of eye injury, LASIK may be a more attractive option than wearing glasses or contacts. Additionally, you should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. LASIK can significantly improve your vision, but it may not guarantee perfect vision, and some individuals may still require glasses for certain tasks.

Is there an age limit for LASIK eye surgery? No, there is no strict age limit for LASIK eye surgery, but the other factors outlined above do matter. LASIK is often a life-changing procedure for many of our patients. It provides freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Just remember that the decision to undergo LASIK should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified eye surgeon. The best way to determine if LASIK is suitable for you, regardless of your age, is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced eye surgeons at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your eye health and we’ll discuss your expectations as well as the potential risks and benefits of LASIK. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.