What is the Best Age to Get LASIK?

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. Read on for a break down of LASIK facts by age range.

LASIK: 18-24

The FDA approved LASIK for those 18 and over, but it might be best to wait a few more years. Until the age of 24, our eyesight continues to change, so it is not often that a LASIK eye surgeon will recommend the procedure for those under the age of 25 for the general public. Those in the military, law enforcement, and professional athletes may be given special consideration.

LASIK: 25-40

Generally speaking, most LASIK eye surgeons agree on 25-40 as the ideal age range for LASIK eye surgery candidacy for a few reasons. By the age of 25, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions have most likely stabilized. A stable prescription is one of the hallmarks of a good LASIK candidate. Before the age of 25, your prescription may still be changing.

LASIK: 40–55

Even if you were lucky enough to have perfect vision for your entire life, it’s more likely that you’ll find yourself reaching for a pair of reading glasses after you turn 40. That doesn’t mean you won’t be considered a good LASIK candidate, though. If you’re a non-smoker in good health with no history of medical problems, you have a good chance of being given the green light on the procedure by your LASIK eye surgeon. A family history of corneal disorders, glaucoma, and diabetes are also considerations for this age group.

LASIK: 56 and up

There is no upper limit preventing seniors from having LASIK eye surgery, but many factors must be taken into consideration before a senior adult is approved as a candidate. Cataracts, an eye condition most often affecting seniors, is one of the reasons for someone in this age group to be considered ineligible. If you have reached the age of 60 with clear eyesight, you might still be considered a good candidate. If cataracts have developed, it becomes the priority for surgical treatment but does not exclude a patient from future LASIK or other refractive lens surgeries. You should also let your eye surgeon know about any medications you are taking during your consultation.

LASIK may benefit you at any age

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 Hodges Eye Care to find out if LASIK is right for you!