If you suffer from vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, maybe you’ve wondered if LASIK surgery is right for you. This laser surgery presents an accessible option to improve your vision and perhaps even go without cumbersome glasses and contacts.
But many people wonder, do you need to be a certain age to have LASIK surgery, and what is the best age to get it?
Does LASIK Surgery Have an Age Requirement and Why?
Although you can get LASIK surgery at almost any age, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people be over the age of 18 to undergo the procedure, but ideally over age 21.
This is important because, before age 21, your eyes could still be growing and changing. If you get LASIK before your eyes are fully developed, it may be less effective, and you may need additional treatment later on.
Your ophthalmologist will want to see very little change in your eye prescription over the past year for you to qualify for LASIK surgery.
Is There an Age Limit for LASIK Surgery?
While most LASIK surgeons will want you to be at least 18 years old for LASIK, there really is no set age limit to when you can undergo the procedure.
It’s never too late to get LASIK. In fact, people are now getting LASIK further along in life. However, there are requirements you need to meet no matter your age.
Your eyes should be generally stable and healthy overall. You shouldn’t get LASIK if you have certain eye problems, such as:
- Cataracts
- Advanced glaucoma
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Severe dry eyes
- Unstable or extreme vision problems
- Corneal disease or abrasion
You also shouldn’t get LASIK if you’re taking certain medications, such as amiodarone. Whatever your age, your results after LASIK surgery will depend on your individual circumstances. For instance, you can get LASIK for astigmatism, but the results may be less predictable.
LASIK is most effective for myopia, or nearsightedness. Laser surgery can’t completely fix presbyopia or farsightedness. But a monovision procedure could improve it. Monovision leaves one eye nearsighted and one farsighted, leading your brain to compensate, so you see more clearly.
Is There an Ideal Age for Laser Surgery?
The bottom line is, as long as you’re over 18, your eyes are healthy, and you have a stable eye prescription, LASIK eye surgery could be a good option. Your local eye and LASIK center can help you determine if the procedure is right for you.
If you’d like to see if you’re a candidate for LASIK, reach out to our dedicated team of ophthalmologists today for more information or to schedule an appointment with our LASIK eye center.
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