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If you’re tired of wearing glasses or dropping your contact lenses in the sink, you might consider LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. This procedure can help correct vision issues and eliminate the hassle of glasses or contacts for qualifying candidates. However, determining the best age and whether you’re eligible for LASIK eye surgery can be tricky.
Keep reading to find out about the best age to have LASIK, who should consider the surgery, who shouldn’t and more.
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What Is LASIK?
LASIK is a vision correction surgery often used to improve myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (a misshapen cornea). This type of surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea—the outer surface of the eye—for clearer vision, says Ami Vadada, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist in New York and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), individuals must be 18 or older to get LASIK surgery[1]. “The age minimum exists because the eyes continue to change and develop until around 18 to 21 years old. Performing LASIK before the eyes have fully matured could lead to vision changes and the need for additional surgery later,” explains Eduardo Besser, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist at Angeles Eye Institute in Culver City, California, and a clinical instructor at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Dr. Besser says that in addition to age, other important factors for LASIK eligibility include:
- A stable vision prescription for one to two years
- Healthy corneas with sufficient thickness for LASIK
- Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) that are treatable with LASIK
- No active eye diseases or infections
- Good health overall
Is There an Age Limit for LASIK Surgery?
There is no maximum age limit for LASIK as long as vision is stable. However, the surgery may not be as effective in older adults due to eye changes that can occur with aging, says Dr. Vadada. For example, presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see things up close, occurs after age 40. LASIK cannot treat presbyopia, but it can correct one eye for distance and the other eye for near viewing (monovision).
Cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye) that affect vision can disqualify an individual from LASIK. Dry eyes, which tend to be more common after 65, may also make someone a less ideal candidate for LASIK, since the procedure can exacerbate the condition.
What Is the Best Age to Get LASIK?
The best age to get LASIK is generally between 25 and 40 years old, according to Dr. Besser, as most people within this range have stabilized vision prescriptions and healthy eyes, making them ideal candidates. “This age range allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of LASIK for many years without the complications that can arise from age-related eye conditions,” he adds.
| AGE RANGES | WHAT TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|
18 to 21
| Younger eyes may not be developed, so vision may not be stabilized.
|
21 to 40
| If the eyes are healthy, there are few downsides.
|
41 to 55
| Presbyopia is a concern after the age of 40, which requires different treatment strategies.
|
Over 56
| Due to age-related vision changes like cataracts, LASIK may not be the best choice.
|
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery?
LASIK may not be suitable for everyone. Experts recommend scheduling an examination with a LASIK surgeon to determine eligibility. In general, Dr. Besser recommends the following groups consider avoiding LASIK surgery:
- Children and teenagers under 18 years old, as their eyes are still developing and vision can change rapidly
- Older adults with age-related eye conditions like cataracts and other corneal issues
- Individuals with unstable vision or rapidly changing prescriptions
- Those with eye conditions like glaucoma, keratoconus, herpes infections or severe dry eyes
- People with uncontrolled diabetes
- Individuals with autoimmune diseases like AIDS, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect healing
- Patients with thin corneas or large pupils, which can increase risks
- People taking medications that can affect vision stability or healing, like steroids or immunosuppressants
- Pregnant or nursing people, as hormonal changes can affect vision stability
“Patients with unrealistic expectations of achieving ‘perfect vision’ should be cautioned, as LASIK cannot guarantee 20/20 vision for everyone,” adds Dr. Besser.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what ages is LASIK not recommended?
LASIK is generally not recommended for individuals under 18 due to ongoing eye development or for those whose vision isn’t stabilized, according to Dr. Besser. Older adults with conditions like cataracts or severe presbyopia may not be ideal candidates.
Is LASIK worth it for a 21-year-old?
“LASIK can be worth it for a 21-year-old if their vision prescription has been stable for at least a year,” says Dr. Besser. This age group can benefit from many years of clear vision, but it’s crucial to ensure that their eyes have fully matured and stabilized.
