Ever wondered if LASIK surgery has age-related restrictions? If so, the answer is yes. For most surgical procedures, there is an ideal age range for patients. For LASIK vision correction, these ages are set to capture patients with stable vision and a relatively healthy corneal history. Continue reading to learn more information about LASIK surgery for children, teens, middle-aged and seniors.
If you are under the age of 18, you do not qualify for LASIK surgery. The FDA has only approved LASIK for patients over the age of 18. Annual eye exams should be maintained to monitor any changes in vision. Once you have turned 18 years old and your vision has not changed in the past 12 months, then it is appropriate to schedule a consultation at a LASIK eye center such as Providence Eye & Laser Specialists.
Great news – since you are now over the age of 18, the FDA says it is okay to have LASIK surgery! However, the next and most important factor is vision stability. Everyone’s vision stabilizes at a different time in their lives – some as early as 18 years old and others as late as 28 years old. Before you should have LASIK surgery, it is important that you have no change in your prescription over a 12 month period.
If your vision is stable, any time between age 18-30 is a great time to have LASIK vision correction. After all, it probably seems like everyone is having LASIK and you don’t want to be left out. Additionally, the convenience of being free from wearing contacts and glasses is almost too good to be true. Many of our patients have said that having laser vision correction has changed their life for the better. Last but not least, the ROI on LASIK surgery is fantastic when you take into consideration the cost of contacts, contact solution, and those expensive fancy frames and lenses.
You know what they say… 40 is the new 30! You may have also heard that you cannot have LASIK after 40. This is not true! If you are over 40 years old, you may begin to experience trouble reading or seeing things up close. You may find that your current lens prescription does not sufficiently cover all your visual needs. If so, Monovision LASIK is an option to correct declining reading vision.
In your later stages in life, LASIK surgery is still a viable option. Patients with age-related issues like cataracts and glaucoma are typically not good LASIK candidates and should be seeing a specialist to care for these conditions. However, seniors with healthy eyes can have LASIK surgery if it is determined that they are a good candidate during their consultation.
LASIK surgery is great for many walks of life. At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, Dr. Mozayeni is dedicated to providing patients with quality care and alternatives. Be sure to discuss any questions or age-related concerns with your doctor or surgeon during your consultation at a LASIK eye center.
