Are you too old for LASIK surgery? Are your kids too young? We’re uncovering the truth about the perfect age for LASIK — and you might be surprised.
When Should I Get LASIK? (or something similar)
Surprise! There is no perfect age to get LASIK. That’s because every case is unique — while it’s rare to perform LASIK on children under the age of 18, in some cases the procedure may be the best option for correcting severe vision problems. While certain age-related health issues could be cause for concern, your doctor will go over those factors and conduct an in-depth health history and physical exam before deciding whether or not you’re an ideal candidate.
The Need for Stable Vision
Rather than setting a concrete age limit, eye doctors look for patients who have relatively stable vision. This often eliminates younger candidates as people under the age of 18 often still have frequent vision changes tied to their natural development. Older patients with certain health concerns may also have rapidly changing vision. In these cases, LASIK more only provide a temporary fix as outside factors cause your eyes to continually alter regardless of surgical success.
The Bottom Line
LASIK eye surgery is only approved by the FDA for patients 18 years of age or older. Even so, many providers prefer their patients to be in their mid-20s or beyond to give each person the best possible chance for a positive, long-lasting outcome. The “sweet spot” seems to be between the ages of 25 and 40, but again, this is a guideline, not a rule.
The best way to find out if you’re the right age for LASIK is to sit down with an experienced eye surgeon who will get to know you and make the best recommendations for your unique needs. To schedule your consultation, call Illinois Eye Center today at (309) 243-2400 or sign up for one of our LASIK seminars for an in-depth look at this popular procedure.