LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is an eye surgery that permanently corrects your vision by reshaping the corneal tissue.
The surgery, which only takes about 10 minutes per eye, ultimately treats three primary refractive errors:
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
LASIK is only FDA-approved for adults ages 18 and up. Many eye doctors will not perform LASIK on people younger than 25 because their eyes are likely to change. They will probably recommend wearing glasses or contact lenses until your vision stabilizes.
For many people, eyesight continues to change until about age 24. Most surgeons require you to have a stable prescription for one to two years before getting LASIK.
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LASIK Eye Surgery Age Limit
There is no upper age that prevents seniors from getting LASIK. However, several health considerations determine whether someone qualifies for the procedure.
People with certain autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases are at a higher risk for healing complications. Taking certain medications may disqualify you from the procedure. These include:
- Immunosuppressants
- Anti-inflammatories
- Steroids
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Amiodarone
However, you may qualify for LASIK if you stop taking these medications for a certain time before the procedure.
Only a consultation with a qualified eye surgeon can help determine if you should get LASIK. Most surgeons will let you schedule a free consultation where they can make sure your eyes are healthy and answer any questions you have.
What is the Best Age to Get LASIK?
The best age to get LASIK eye surgery is between 20 and 40 years old or when you’ve had a stable prescription for at least two years.
Everyone is different, and it’s wise to consult your eye doctor about whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK.
LASIK for Older People
Older people are eligible for LASIK if they meet the other criteria. The age limit for LASIK is not set in stone, and it’s ultimately up to your eye surgeon to decide if you’re a good candidate.
However, those over 60 are recommended to receive monovision LASIK. This procedure corrects one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. This allows older people to maintain good vision at all distances without relying on glasses or contacts.
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Eye Conditions That Impact LASIK Candidacy
Age is the only factor affecting your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery. Certain eye conditions and vision problems can also impact your LASIK candidacy. These include the following:
- Presbyopia. When your eyes gradually lose the ability to see clearly, which happens with age
- Cataracts. Cloudy areas in the lens of your eye, which can occur with age
- Keratoconus. When the cornea thins out and bulges
- Uncontrolled glaucoma. Eye disorders that can cause progressive damage to the eye’s optic nerve
- Corneal disease. A condition that can cause clouding, distortion, and scarring, which can sometimes lead to blindness
- Other retinal and optic nerve diseases. These conditions can increase your risk for complications after LASIK
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Is LASIK Worth It?
Many people consider LASIK eye surgery to be worth it. But it’s ultimately your decision.
The effects of LASIK surgery last a lifetime. Since the surgeon reshapes the cornea by physically removing its imperfections, LASIK is a permanent solution.
A reported 99 percent of LASIK patients achieve better than 20/40 vision, while more than 90 percent achieve 20/20 vision or better after having laser vision correction.14
Possible Side Effects of LASIK
Of course, LASIK is not for everyone. There are some side effects and risks involved:
- Dry eyes for up to 3 months (though eye drops can help)
- Nighttime glares
- Seeing halos in low-light conditions
- Dislodging the flaps the surgeon creates during LASIK through rubbing or poking
If your eyes change over time, you may need to have LASIK surgery again. This can happen if you’re still young and your eyes are still developing.
Summary
There is no set age limit for LASIK surgery. However, most surgeons will not perform the procedure on patients under 18.
Additionally, certain eye conditions and vision problems can impact your candidacy for LASIK surgery. It's important to talk with a qualified eye surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
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