How Old Do You Have To Be To Get LASIK?
“How old do you have to be to get LASIK?” Is this a question you’ve asked yourself, friends, or family? And, what was the answer? If you are under the age of 18 (or, maybe even 21), we are willing to bet the response was something along the lines of “You’re too young” or “you’re not quite LASIK age.” And, they are right.
But, we are here to tell you why they are right.
How old do you need to be to get LASIK?
How old do you have to be to get LASIK? LASIK is only approved for adults over the age of 18. In addition to being at least 18 (and the LASIK age is more like your mid-20s), your eyeglass prescription must be stable. But, there is more to the story and if you really want LASIK, you should know the facts.
- Ocular Maturity can vary
- LASIK age
- LASIK Provides Permanent Lasting Results
1. Ocular Maturity
Did you know your eyes are among the last of your organs to fully mature? It’s true! While most eyes stop growing by the age of 13, for some people it is closer to 20. How do you know if your eyes are fully developed – often referred to by doctors as “achieving ocular maturity” – and ready for a laser vision correction procedure? In addition to being at least 18 (and the LASIK age is maybe more like your mid-20s), your eyeglass prescription must be stable. That means it hasn’t changed – your vision hasn’t changed – in more than a year. Once your prescription stabilizes, there is less likelihood of your nearsightedness or farsightedness progressing. This is important because…
2. LASIK Age
It is never too soon to have a conversation with your eye doctor about your vision correction options. The only way to know if your eyes have achieved ocular maturity and if you are a good candidate is to let your eye doctor know you are interested in LASIK. In addition to asking “Can I get LASIK” and “Would I be a good candidate for LASIK,” this conversation should include your experience with glasses or contact lenses. Your doctor wants to understand how you are doing, what compromises you are making, and what you really need from your vision. So, keep that annual eye exam appointment and share your vision goals.
3. LASIK Provides Permanent Lasting Results
Laser vision correction permanently reshapes the cornea – the surface of your eye. That should only happen on eyes that are fully developed. Knowing your eyes are developed and stable, you can be confident the LASIK treatment will last for years.
Most refractive surgeons agree that having LASIK when you are young is a great decision for those who are good candidates for the LASIK procedure. For those who really feel the burden of glasses or contacts, having years – even decades – of great vision without needing glasses is very valuable. However, while LASIK permanently corrects the vision problem you come into surgery with, it doesn’t stop the aging process. Eventually, usually into your 40s, everyone develops presbyopia – Greek for “aging eyes”. This is a loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye – a different part of the eye – and is treated with reading glasses or another vision correction procedure.
Choosing laser vision correction as soon as your eyes and vision are ready means you can enjoy freedom from glasses and contact lenses for years to come. It is important to stay in close contact with your eye doctor – particularly if you wear contact lenses. You want to keep your eyes healthy and safe while waiting for your eyes to mature. Rest assured, LASIK is safe and is one of the most studied elective procedures performed today. Once your prescription is stable and you have a thorough evaluation that determines you are a good candidate, you can expect the answer to the question “Can I get LASIK?” to be: Yes!
