The Best Age for LASIK Eye Surgery
Choosing LASIK surgery for vision correction is a personal decision. Some general guidelines may help you determine whether you’re a good candidate and identify the ideal age to consider LASIK. Although there are exceptions, most refractive surgeons recommend getting LASIK between the ages of twenty-five and forty. Keep reading for more information.
Before Eighteen
LASIK is an FDA-approved vision correction for adults over eighteen. However, there are multiple reasons Dr. Will won’t perform LASIK on teenagers and children under eighteen. First, your eyesight will change well into your early adult years. Second, most kids under eighteen don’t need the benefits of LASIK for proper eye function.
Mid-Twenties
Dr. Will requires your vision to stabilize before the operation. He will review previous eye exams to determine that your prescription has not significantly changed recently. He won’t recommend LASIK unless your prescription has remained the same for at least two years.
Although LASIK is acceptable for men and women between eighteen and twenty-four, many doctors report that these younger patients have specific lifestyle or job conditions where glasses or contacts are not suitable. Pilots, athletes, and law enforcement may be interested in LASIK surgery at a young age for minor vision correction throughout their twenties.
Thirties to Forties
The most popular ages for LASIK surgery are between thirty-five and forty. This is because patients’ vision has stabled, and they are more likely to be better positioned to get treatment. In addition, Dr. Will finds patients who have an active lifestyle who want to reduce their dependence on contact lenses or glasses.
However, the average age of LASIK patients drops each year. As a result, men and women are starting to believe this surgery is an investment, saving vision and the expense of contact lenses and glasses throughout their lifetime.
The Fifties and Beyond
The human eye will change again around age forty. During this period, patients develop vision impairments like presbyopia, which has older patients buying reading glasses. LASIK can correct this condition and others to repair vision issues and improve quality of life.
Many patients find that LASIK significantly benefits them, so the operation is trending with older patients, too. Many at this age lead healthy lifestyles as non-smokers with healthy diets and regular exercise. These active people don’t want to be hindered by glasses as they enjoy life.
While age is definitely a factor affecting LASIK candidacy, it is only one aspect of eligibility. Only a personal evaluation can determine if you are a LASIK candidate or not. If you’re interested in the operation, please set up a vision assessment with Dr. Will to determine if LASIK is right for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to better vision, contact Will Vision & Laser Centers today. We’re excited to welcome you into our practice and for you to “See the Difference.”