Understanding the LASIK Age Spectrum
Did you know that LASIK laser surgery is the most common elective eye procedure with more than 80,000 people electing to undergo vision correction surgery every year, according to the Refractive Surgery Council. LASIK is only continuing to gain in popularity, and for good reason with exceptional, long-lasting results it is changing people’s lives. However, many patients often wonder if there is an age cut off. While the good news is that there is not a LASIK age limit per say, the mediocre news is that the health and stability of your eyes determine your eligibility for LASIK. Unfortunately, there are times when LASIK is no longer recommended as an effective treatment for correcting refractive errors. Surgeons follow the guidelines established by LASIK experts to determine a patient’s eligibility for the procedure, including having fully developed eyes and a stable prescription for at least 12 months.
The Minimum Age for LASIK: Why 18 (or 21) Matters
There are minimum age requirements for LASIK because it is important to ensure that the eyes are fully developed. Just like the rest of the body, the eyes can change significantly during the late teen years and into the early twenties. If LASIK is performed when the eyes are still changing, the results may not last as long and may not be as accurate. This is why the FDA has approved LASIK for those 18 and older. However, you may find that most surgeons will wait until a patient is at least 21 before performing the surgery.
LASIK in Your 40s and 50s: The Presbyopia Factor
As we age, the internal lens of the eye begins to stiffen, called presbyopia, making reading glasses necessary. This is a natural part of aging and happens to everyone. Since LASIK fixes the shape of the cornea, even those that have undergone LASIK surgery will still develop presbyopia. A common solution provided by LASIK by OCLI is called “Monovision LASIK” and it may reduce the need for reading glasses. During the procedure, the surgeon will correct your dominant eye to provide distance vision and the non-dominant eye to see things close up. While it might sound off, your brain will adjust rather quickly, allowing you to see both near and far without glasses.
Am I Too Old for LASIK? LASIK for Seniors
As long as your eyes are healthy and your prescription is stable, LASIK may still be an option, no matter your age. We see patients in their 60s that are perfect candidates for LASIK surgery still. However, it’s best to schedule a consultation and eye exam with your nearest LASIK by OCLI office to understand what procedure is recommended for your situation. If you have cataracts, your surgeon may suggest a Refractive Lens Exchange instead to deliver clear vision. Additionally, if glaucoma or macular degeneration are present, they will need to be addressed before LASIK is safe to perform on the patient. If that is the case, you will be referred to our sister brand OCLI vision for treatment with some of the best eye doctors in the country.
Factors Beyond the Calendar
Everyone must have an evaluation before undergoing LASIK surgery to evaluate your suitability to undergo the procedure and achieve excellent results. During the consultation, we will check for:
- Corneal thickness and shape: Since LASIK surgery modifies the shape of the cornea to provide clear vision, it is vital that you have a thick cornea to support the laser shaping. If you do not have appropriate thickness of the cornea, a different procedure may be recommended, such as PRK or ICL. No matter what our surgeons will walk you through your options and make sure you feel comfortable with the decision.
- As mentioned previously, patients must have a stable vision prescription for 12 or more months to undergo LASIK. This is to ensure the results are accurate and long lasting.
- Your overall physical health must be able to support proper recovery after a procedure. If you are managing an autoimmune condition or diabetes, it is important for us to know to deliver the most effective care.
- Your eyes must be free from other conditions, such as dry eyes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more.
Most consultations with LASIK by OCLI are FREE, so contact your nearest office to schedule an appointment today.
Consult the Experts at LASIK by OCLI Vision
Delivering on the ongoing search for LASIK eye surgery near me at our LASIK by OCLI clinics. The only way to truly know if you are the right age for LASIK is through a comprehensive evaluation. Whether you are 18 or 69, our specialists can determine the safest and most effective path to clear vision. Give us a call today!
