LASIK is a popular surgery that corrects your vision, so you don’t have to wear glasses or contacts anymore. But is it right for everyone?
While it’s true that LASIK eye surgery can be an option for many, age plays a significant role in determining who is a good candidate. It’s not the only thing that matters, but it’s definitely a big consideration.
This article will help you understand the age requirements for LASIK and other factors that determine whether LASIK is the right choice for you.
Minimum Age Requirements for LASIK
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires LASIK patients to be at least 18 years old. The reason for this age limit has to do with how your eyes change as you grow.
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct vision. For the procedure to work well, your eyes need to be finished growing and your vision relatively stable. Otherwise, your vision could keep changing after surgery.
Rules vary from country to country, so keep that in mind. But even if you’re 18, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re a good candidate for LASIK. You’ll still need a thorough eye exam to check for other factors that could affect the outcome.
Ocular maturity and refractive stability
Before you can have LASIK, your eyes need to be fully grown and your vision needs to be stable.
What is ocular maturity?
Ocular maturity means your eyes have finished developing and their structures are stable. The eyes typically reach maturity somewhere between the ages of 18 and 21.
Your vision needs to be stable, too. If you’re still experiencing changes in your vision and need a new prescription every year, your vision is not yet considered stable. Before LASIK, your vision prescription should remain the same for at least 12 to 24 months.
What is refractive stability?
Refractive stability simply means that your vision prescription has remained consistent over a period of time.
Refractive stability is crucial for LASIK to be effective. If your vision is still changing, the LASIK correction may not be accurate, and the effects will not be long-lasting.
Young adults often experience progressive myopia or nearsightedness into their early twenties, so it’s important to demonstrate refractive stability before undergoing LASIK.
What’s the best age for LASIK?
Most doctors agree that the best age range for LASIK is your 20s to 40s. Waiting until your 20s is generally recommended because your eyes are more likely to have stopped changing by then. Ideally, people in this age group also tend to have more stable vision and are less likely to have age-related vision problems.
Of course, every person is different, and your individual circumstances matter. For example, people over 40 sometimes choose monovision LASIK to help with presbyopia. Presbyopia is the loss of near-focusing ability that happens as you get older.
Factors Beyond Age: Is LASIK Right for You?
Even if you’re in the right age range, it’s important to remember that age isn’t the only factor determining whether LASIK is a good choice for you.
Eye Health Assessment
Before you can be considered for LASIK, you’ll need a comprehensive eye exam that assesses factors such as:
- Corneal thickness
- Tear film
- Overall eye health
Certain conditions can disqualify you from having LASIK, including:
- Thin corneas
- Severe dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Medical History and Medications
Your overall health plays a role in whether LASIK is right for you. That’s why your doctor will ask about:
- Your medical history
- Any medications you’re taking
- Any pre-existing conditions you have
Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may make you ineligible for LASIK.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your lifestyle can also be a factor in determining whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK. For example, if you play contact sports or your career requires excellent night vision, LASIK might not be the best choice for you.
LASIK Alternatives for Different Age Groups
If you’re not old enough for LASIK or your vision isn’t stable yet, don’t despair. There are other options that can help you see more clearly.
Options for Younger Individuals
If you’re under 18 or your vision is still changing, you could consider:
- Orthokeratology. With this method, you wear special contact lenses overnight to reshape your cornea. Then, during the day, you can see clearly without glasses or contacts.
- Contact lenses. Contacts are still a popular and effective way to correct vision.
- Sports eyewear. If you play sports, you can get prescription glasses or goggles to help you see the ball (or the basket or the puck) more clearly.
- Myopia control strategies. These techniques, such as special types of contact lenses or eye drops, can help slow down the progression of nearsightedness.
Options for Older Adults
As we age, our eyes change, and LASIK might not be the best option anymore. One alternative for older adults is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
RLE involves replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. It’s similar to cataract surgery, and it can correct a wide range of vision problems. In fact, cataract surgery with lens implants is another option to consider as you get older.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether LASIK is right for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon. A thorough eye exam and discussion of your visual goals are essential to determine if you’re a good candidate.
While age is a factor, it’s not the only one. Ocular maturity, refractive stability, overall eye health, and lifestyle all play a role in determining LASIK suitability. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to LASIK.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo LASIK is a personal one. By prioritizing a comprehensive evaluation and making an informed decision, you can determine if LASIK is the right choice to improve your vision and quality of life.