LASIK eye surgery is a very effective method for improving vision, especially with hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. It's also a beloved way to reduce or eradicate the need for reading glasses, but it’s not the best solution for everyone.
Age plays a role when it comes to determining candidacy, but not because there is a set age limit. Instead, it’s due to what is actually going on with eyes and vision during specific age ranges. Below you’ll find a guide on different age ranges and what impacts candidacy during those times.
Childhood and Teen Years
Like the rest of the body, the eyes are still developing and your vision prescription hasn’t yet stabilized. As a stable prescription plays a vital role in the success of LASIK surgery, it’s not typically a good idea to have the surgery carried out during childhood or early teenage years.
Ages 18 to 40
The FDA has approved LASIK for those 18 and older. By this time, your vision has likely stabilized, making LASIK a great option. Ages 18 to 21 tend to be an ideal age range but most people up to age 40 are typically good candidates for the surgery.
41 and Up
There is no cut-off age for LASIK surgery. Once you’ve turned 41, candidacy depends much more on your vision and your general health.
In most cases, if you have no medical issues, don’t smoke, and are in good general health, LASIK is an option for you. However, if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, that is not actively being managed, LASIK may not be the right solution.
As you reach your 50s, 60s, and up, eye conditions like cataracts can interfere with your candidacy, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cataracts, for example, will not necessarily stop a patient from receiving LASIK surgery.
More severe cases, though, might need to be addressed first. After that, LASIK can be revisited as an option. A consultation with a LASIK surgeon is the best way to determine if you need any type of treatment for medical conditions or vision issues prior to laser surgery.
Astigmatism and Lasik
Astigmatism can occur at any point in life, especially due to injuries. Everything from mild to severe astigmatism tends to respond well to LASIK, so it is often the chosen course of treatment, regardless of age.
How to Determine If I’m a Good Candidate for LASIK Surgery
The guidelines here are just that – guidelines. LASIK is a possibility for anyone who is farsighted, nearsighted, wears reading glasses, or has astigmatism. The best way to determine if LASIK eye surgery is right for you is to visit a laser eye surgeon for an assessment.
If you live in New York, a visit to I Love LASIK can help you determine if laser eye surgery is right for your needs, as well as discover alternatives if it’s not. Call (212) 970-1010 to schedule an appointment at the Manhattan office or (718) 730-1070 to visit the Brooklyn office.