Age can influence your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery, but it is by no means set in stone. In fact, there is no set age for LASIK eye surgery. Most LASIK eye surgeons, however, will not perform the procedure on those under the age of 18 as vision tends to keep changing into early adulthood. While laser eye surgery has been performed on children with severe vision problems, note that these cases are the exception to the rule. In general, the average age range for getting LASIK is between 20 and 40 years of age.

The FDA has approved LASIK eye surgery for those 18 years and older, but most providers will encourage patients to wait until their mid-20s after their prescription has stabilized.

Should You Get Lasik Surgery Right Now?

Some people wait until they are in their 40’s to have a Lasik procedure. One thing to remember is that Lasik does not cure presbyopia, which is the diminished ability to see things clearly when they are close to them. This condition is simply a product of age and cannot be fixed. However, those who choose to have Lasik after 40 will have a clearer vision. They will need to wear glasses for reading, watching television, and while on the computer or cell phone.

Cataracts Are Not A Problem For Lasik

Lasik surgery is even safe and helpful for people in their 60’s and 70’s. However, if patients in this age range have cataracts, they are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction and should have their cataracts evaluated prior to undergoing Lasik surgery. Nonetheless, many older people have Lasik procedures performed with noticeable results.

Who Should Not Have Lasik?

There are many types of equipment that help surgeons measure things like the thickness of the cornea and the exact size of the pupils. The Lasik specialist uses the information to help them determine who is the best candidate for Lasik surgery. People who have chronic dry eyes, a suppressed immune system, incurable health conditions, bleeding disorders, and pregnant women should not have Lasik eye surgery. People who have thin corneas may not be a candidate for Lasik, but they might be suitable for another procedure called PRK. This surgery is very similar to Lasik. PRK is the procedure that eye specialists performed before Lasik was invented.

LASIK may benefit you at any age

Are you still wondering what’s the right age to undergo Lasik surgery? Good overall health, family medical history, and a stable prescription are the most important factors in LASIK eye surgery candidacy. Consult with one of our expert eye surgeons at SightMD to find out if LASIK is right for you!