Do You Have to Be a Certain Age to Get LASIK?

Vision problems affect people of all ages. If you want to restore your vision, one of your options is Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Unfortunately, LASIK is only available for patients who meet specific requirements and are at least 18 years old. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the surgery for those who are not yet adults.

Why Is LASIK Not Ideal for Children?

LASIK is a proven-effective method to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery involves using a particular type of cutting laser to change the shape of the cornea. The cornea is part of your eye that suffers when you have the vision problems mentioned above.

This procedure is not recommended for children primarily because their eyesight is still developing. Eye conditions, like farsightedness, are common among children. This eye problem often gets better as the child ages and the vision stabilizes.

But there are rare exceptions, so talk to your trusted eye doctor to know whether LASIK suits your kid.

What Is the Ideal Age to Get LASIK?

While the FDA approves LASIK for 18-year-old patients, it might be better to wait a few more years. At 18, your vision might still be changing. Consider waiting until you are 21 to undergo the procedure. By then, your vision will likely stop changing, and you may meet the requirements for the surgery.

Some people are lucky enough to have clear vision until their 40s. LASIK is still an option if you start having vision problems at that age. Generally, there is no age cap for this treatment. As long as you meet the requirements, you can be qualified for it.

Qualifying Factors

LASIK is not for everyone. You need to meet the following criteria to be considered a good candidate for the procedure:

You meet the minimum age requirement
Corneas should be healthy and thick enough
You must have no eye condition that might result in surgical complications
Your eye prescription has stabilized; you don’t need a contact lens or eyeglasses change in the past year
Your eye condition should be something that LASIK can fix

LASIK may not be for you if:

You participate in martial arts, wrestling, and any other contact sports
You are taking medications that may affect the healing of wounds
You have autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and immunodeficiency states
You are suffering from extreme levels of astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia
You have thin corneas, cone-shaped corneas, and corneal scars
You have advanced glaucoma and cataract affecting vision

If LASIK is not for you, fret not because there are many treatment options out there. All you must do is consult an ophthalmologist to find the treatment that suits your vision needs and lifestyle.

For those who are considering LASIK, it is essential to do your homework. Learn about its benefits and potential risks. A well-informed and prepared patient is likely to have the best outcome. But even if 9 out of 10 patients had successful LASIK surgery, it’s best to be realistic about your expectations.

If you are ready to get LASIK or want to know more about the procedure, feel free to talk to eye doctors at Fier Eye Care & Surgery Center. Visit our offices in Port St. Lucie or Stuart, Florida. To schedule an appointment, call 772-400-2400 or 772-286-0007.