LASIK is one of the most popular and effective eye surgeries for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. It offers you the potential for improved vision without glasses or contacts.
But like any medical procedure, timing is key. So when is the best age to undergo LASIK? Keep reading to find out!
Are You Too Young for LASIK?
The FDA has approved LASIK for anyone 18 years and older. If you’re below 18, the effects of LASIK may not last.
Vision tends to fluctuate in your teens, which can make LASIK ineffective over time. You may find yourself wearing glasses or contact lenses again if your prescription changes.
However, many people are not LASIK candidates until they reach their 20s. That’s because stable vision is an essential requirement for LASIK, and the eyes of some 18-year-olds may continue to develop and change until their early to mid-20s.
Our LASIK surgeons encourage patients to wait until their vision has been stable for at least two years before having LASIK.
Can You Get LASIK in Your Mid-40s?
While LASIK doesn’t really have an upper age limit, there are factors to consider. After age 40, your eyes begin to change, and you will develop presbyopia.
Presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, happens when your lens becomes less flexible and unable to shift focus from far to near. As a result, nearby images and objects will appear blurry.
Once you develop presbyopia, LASIK will not fully correct your near vision, as the procedure targets the cornea to address refractive errors, while presbyopia affects the eye’s lens.
If you’re already experiencing presbyopia, you may want to consider monovision LASIK. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the need for glasses, it can help reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts for near or intermediate vision.
With monovision LASIK, one eye is treated for distance vision, and the other is corrected for close-up tasks like reading or intermediate tasks like working on a computer. This allows your brain to adjust by relying on one eye for distance and the other for near or intermediate vision, minimizing the need for reading glasses.
Keep in mind that while many people adapt well, it may take time for your brain to adjust, and not everyone is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Are You Too Old to Have LASIK?
Older adults, aged 60 and over, are more prone to conditions such as cataracts, severe dry eye, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. These age-related conditions can impact the suitability and long-term effectiveness of LASIK.
If you have any of these eye conditions, you’re likely not a good candidate for LASIK. However, to be certain, the best way to know whether or not LASIK might be right for you is to attend a free LASIK screening at VisionPoint Eye Center.
What’s the Best Age for LASIK?
The ideal age to have LASIK is between the ages of 20 to 40 years. That’s because your vision will likely be stable, making LASIK more effective.
Another reason to have LASIK within this age range is that you’ll enjoy your new, improved vision for longer. While LASIK offers permanent vision correction, your sight could diminish when your eyes start to naturally change again in your mid-40s and beyond.
Ultimately, eligibility for LASIK is considered on a case-by-case basis. Your eye doctor will determine whether you can undergo LASIK after a thorough assessment, no matter your age.
Say Yes to Crisper, Sharper Vision with LASIK
Are you ready to find out if you’re a good LASIK candidate? Schedule your free LASIK consultation at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today and start your journey to sharper, crisper, vision without glasses or contacts.
