How old do you have to be to get LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, a procedure that corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea. Although many people tolerate LASIK well, it's not for everyone. If you have certain age-related eye changes, you may not qualify for the procedure. So, how old do you have to be to get LASIK? This guide explains the factors involved in determining whether you're a suitable candidate.

LASIK eligibility and age

FDA regulations prohibit eye care professionals from performing LASIK on anyone under the age of 18. Once you hit that minimum age, there's no upper age limit. However, age-related eye changes may prevent you from having this type of surgery.

Age-related eye changes

As you get older, your eyes undergo several changes. It would be cool if you developed X-ray vision or gained the ability to shoot laser beams from each eye, but that's not what happens. Instead, you may develop cataracts, presbyopia, or other eye problems.

Cataracts make your lenses cloudy, interfering with your ability to see clearly. If you have severe cataracts, things start to look blurry and washed out. LASIK doesn't correct cataracts, so if you want laser vision correction, you may have to undergo cataract removal first.

Many adults also develop presbyopia as they age, making it difficult to see things up close. Presbyopia occurs when the lens of your eye can't focus light on the retina. If you suddenly need to hold books a foot away from your face to read them, you may have presbyopia.

Standard LASIK doesn't treat presbyopia, but you may be eligible for a procedure known as monovision LASIK. During this procedure, the surgeon corrects one eye for near vision and one eye for distance. This makes it possible to see things up close. 

Factors influencing LASIK candidacy by age

Young adults and LASIK

Your vision system continues to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Once you reach your 20s, however, it stabilizes. Therefore, your eye health is likely to remain stable until age 40. If you have LASIK in your 20s, you can enjoy crystal-clear vision for more than a decade. This is especially helpful if you're an active person who doesn't want to worry about wearing lenses while jogging or participating in adventure sports.

Middle age and LASIK

As noted earlier, standard LASIK doesn't correct presbyopia, so you may not qualify for the procedure once you reach middle age. If you don't have presbyopia, however, it's possible to have good results with LASIK, even if you're in your late 50s.

LASIK for seniors

LASIK doesn't have an upper age limit, but you must have stable vision before you undergo the procedure. Your overall eye health is also an important consideration. Even if you're still running marathons in your 60s and 70s, there's a chance you won't qualify for LASIK due to an underlying eye condition. It's important to have a thorough eye exam to determine whether you're eligible for the procedure.

Assessing LASIK candidacy at any age

Before agreeing to perform LASIK, your eye care professional will conduct a structure exam to make sure you're a good candidate. This exam consists of a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and LASIK testing. Be prepared to provide information about your personal health, your family medical history, and your social history.

Vision correction for all ages

Age ain't nothin' but a number, but it does have an impact on your eligibility for LASIK. If you have cataracts, presbyopia, or other eye problems, talk with your eye care professional about your options. Although it's best to have LASIK as a young adult, you can still benefit from the procedure later in life. If you're interested in LASIK, schedule a professional evaluation today.

 

Frequently asked questions

What if my prescription changes after LASIK?

If your prescription changes after LASIK, your eye care professional may be able to do an enhancement procedure. During this procedure, the surgeon reshapes your cornea, which restores your vision.

Are there alternatives to LASIK for older adults with eye issues?

Yes. If you can't have LASIK due to age-related eye problems, your eye care professional may recommend refractive lens exchange. No, you don't trade lenses with a friend — you have a procedure to remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial one.

Can teenagers get LASIK?

No. The Food & Drug Administration hasn't approved the use of any lasers on patients under the age of 18.