If you’re sick of wearing glasses or contact lenses, you’re likely looking into laser vision correction solutions. Undergoing laser eye surgery can transform your vision and life, but what if you’re too old or young?
Is there an upper age limit for when you can have any laser eye surgeries? How about a lower age limit for young adults seeking LASIK surgery?
And is there a perfect age for laser eye surgery? Well, let’s explore all this and more below.
LASIK Eye Surgery Age Explained
There is no upper age limit for getting LASIK eye surgery. The main question for older patients is whether cataracts are developing, i.e. clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This happens with age, most commonly in those aged 70+, but can occur as young as 40.
In the case of cataracts, removing and replacing the misty lens with a special implant – an intraocular lens (IOL) is better. The IOL will also correct the need for distance glasses, so no LASIK is needed.
So, while there is no upper age limit, just restrictions from eye health, there is a lower limit. LASIK patients need to be age 18 or older.
The most crucial factor for LASIK eye surgery is that you have a stable prescription, which means no change in the previous 12 months.
For most people, eye prescriptions begin stabilising from age 20 but occasionally can be stable at age 18 or 19. Most patients are stable by the age of 25 or so.
Distance vision usually remains stable for several decades and only changes as cataracts appear. However, at about 45 or so, vision can change again, but this time, it is for reading.
This normal age-related change is called presbyopia, which means it’s time for reading glasses.
You can still have LASIK surgery after age 45, either by correcting the distance vision only or opting for Blended Vision, which corrects both distance and reading vision.
Another option for those who need reading glasses is a corneal inlay, often combined with LASIK, to ensure clear distance sight and good reading vision.
Suppose your prescription is severe, or early changes are happening in the lens of your eye (early cataract). In that case, refractive lens exchange or even cataract surgery may be a better option for you.
Laser eye surgery reduces refractive errors in the eye and can mean you never need to wear glasses or contact lenses again (depending on your original prescription).
If your vision is stable, you might be eligible for LASIK eye surgery. So, why not book a consultation and take the first step to 20/20 vision with Focus?
LASIK Eye Surgery Age-Related FAQs
What Is The Best Age To Get LASIK?
The best age to get LASIK eye surgery depends on when your prescription stabilises. In general, though, this is between the ages of 20 and 55.
Is It Worth Getting Laser Eye Surgery After 45?
It is certainly worth considering getting laser eye surgery after 45. It can provide visual freedom from glasses or contact lenses. LASIK can be combined with other options, such as a corneal inlay or Blended Vision, to provide freedom from reading glasses.
If you have early cataracts, a lens implant can correct this and any refractive errors. So, there are still options for you after the age of 45. To find out more, book a consultation at Focus today!
Can LASIK Be Done At 16?
The minimum age to get LASIK eye surgery is 18 because one of the most essential factors in getting this type of surgery is to have a stable prescription. During our teenage years, short-sightedness and astigmatism may still be getting worse. A worsening prescription means the benefit of surgery will be short-lived as the eye continues to get more short-sighted.
LASIK Eye Surgery Age: How Young is Too Young?
While the minimum age for laser eye surgery is 18, we must wait until the prescription is stable, often between 20-25. Waiting ensures that your eyes are stable and the treatment will have a better long-term outcome.
What’s The Upper Age Limit For Laser Eye Surgery?
Provided you have good eye health and the surface of your eye is in good condition, there is no upper age limit for laser eye surgery. However, after age 55-60, some patients may opt for an implant-based procedure, e.g. refractive lens exchange (RLE), rather than laser eye surgery.
