One of the most frequently asked questions in my practice at Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center is about the age requirements for LASIK surgery. Just last week, a concerned parent asked me, "My 16-year-old daughter desperately wants LASIK, but is she too young?" Later that day, a vibrant 68-year-old patient wondered, "Am I too old for this procedure?" These concerns highlight the confusion many people feel about the "right age" for LASIK, so let me provide you with the clear answers you need.
The FDA has established 18 as the youngest age allowed for LASIK surgery. This isn't an arbitrary number. It's based on sound medical and developmental principles, providing safety and effectiveness.
Eye Development and Stability: Your eyes continue to grow and develop during your growing years. By age 18, most people's eyes have reached full maturity, making the results of LASIK much more predictable and lasting. Performing surgery at this age often means the benefits may be temporary, as your prescription continues to evolve.
Prescription Stability: For LASIK to be successful, your vision prescription must remain stable for at least one to two years. Teenagers frequently experience prescription changes due to continued eye growth and hormone changes in their teenage years.
Emotional and Decision-Making Maturity: LASIK is an elective surgery that requires you to understand the risks, benefits, and commitment to post-operative care. At 18, patients can legally consent to the procedure and are typically mature enough to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Many eye surgeons, including myself, often prefer patients to wait until they are 21 or even older to ensure complete eye stability. In my experience with over 20,000 refractive procedures, patients who wait until their early twenties typically achieve the most stable and long-lasting results.
While uncommon, LASIK may occasionally be considered for patients under 18 in special situations. These exceptional cases may include severe refractive errors that significantly impact daily living, specific military or athletic career requirements, or instances where standard correction methods have been unsuccessful. However, these choices need extensive evaluation and are made individually for each person.
Here's the good news: there is no official upper age limit for LASIK surgery. I've successfully performed LASIK on patients well into their 60s and 70s. Age is only one consideration in the procedure, but several age-related factors require close attention.
Presbyopia Challenge: Around age 40, most people develop presbyopia, the natural age-related decline in near vision. Traditional LASIK cannot correct presbyopia, meaning you may still require reading glasses after surgery, even if your distance vision is perfect.
Monovision LASIK Solution: For presbyopic patients, I often recommend monovision LASIK, where we correct one eye (typically the dominant eye) for distance vision and the other for near vision. This method often reduces dependence on reading glasses, though it requires an adaptation period. Many of my patients over 40 have been thrilled with this option.[16]
PresbyLASIK Advanced Techniques: Newer procedures, such as PresbyLASIK, create multifocal corneal profiles that can provide good vision at multiple distances simultaneously. These techniques continue to improve and open new doors for presbyopic patients.
Cataract Development: As we age, cataracts become increasingly common. If you have significant cataracts or are likely to develop them soon, cataract surgery with premium lens implants might be a better option than LASIK.
Overall Eye Health: Problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or severe dry eyes may affect LASIK candidacy. However, many seniors with healthy eyes remain excellent candidates for the procedure.
Slower Healing: Older patients usually have slower healing periods, but this rarely prevents successful outcomes.
When LASIK isn't the ideal choice, several other options work well:
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): This procedure replaces your natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens, correcting refractive errors and potentially preventing future cataracts. It's especially helpful for people over 50 with presbyopia or high refractive errors.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK could work better than LASIK for people with thin corneas or certain corneal irregularities. While recovery takes longer than LASIK, the final results are comparable.
EVO ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses): These reversible lenses, placed inside the eye, can correct high refractive errors when LASIK isn't suitable
Contact Lenses and Glasses: Modern contact lens technology works exceptionally well for active teenagers, offering specialty lenses for athletes and everyday disposables for added convenience.
Orthokeratology: Specialized overnight contact lenses can temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Age is only one consideration in determining LASIK candidacy. During your thorough examination at Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center, we assess:
Sarah, Age 22: "I waited until after college to get LASIK, and I'm so glad I did. My prescription had been stable for three years, and now, two years post-surgery, my vision is still perfect. Dr. Feldman's patience in waiting for the right time paid off."
Robert, Age 58: "I was worried I was too old, but Dr. Feldman explained monovision LASIK to me. Now I can read my phone and see road signs clearly. It's like having built-in bifocals!"
Throughout my career performing tens of thousands of LASIK procedures, I've learned that good results rely far more on careful patient selection than on age alone. The "perfect" LASIK candidate isn't defined solely by age. It's a person with:
I've seen 19-year-olds who weren't ready for LASIK due to unstable prescriptions, and 65-year-olds who achieved outstanding results. Each person is unique, which is why we always take the time to evaluate each individual thoroughly.
Q: Can I get LASIK at 17 if my prescription has been stable? A: While rare exceptions exist, FDA guidelines require patients to be at least 18. It's worth waiting to ensure the best long-term results. Q: I'm 45 with presbyopia. Is LASIK still an option? A: Absolutely! Monovision LASIK, also known as PresbyLASIK, is highly effective for presbyopic patients. We'll discuss what method works best for your lifestyle.
Q: Is there a point where I'm too old for any vision correction surgery? A: Age alone rarely disqualifies someone from vision correction. Alternative procedures, such as RLE, may be more suitable for some older patients than LASIK.
Q: What if I develop cataracts after LASIK? A: LASIK doesn't prevent cataracts, but it doesn't cause them either. Cataract surgery can still be performed successfully after LASIK has been completed.
The question isn't really about finding the "perfect" age for LASIK—it's about finding the perfect time for you. Whether you're 18 or 68, the key is a thorough examination by an experienced surgeon who can assess your individual situation.
At Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center, we offer complimentary LASIK consultations, during which we carefully examine your eyes, discuss your visual goals, and determine the best solution for you. With modern testing technology, such as our iDesign system, we can map your eye with over 1,200 measurements to ensure the most precise treatment possible.
Don't let age concerns hold you back from exploring the life-changing benefits of sharp vision. Whether you're a college student tired of glasses fogging up, a busy parent juggling contact lens care, or a retiree wanting to enjoy hobbies without visual limitations, there may be a perfect solution waiting for you.
Ready to discover if LASIK is right for you? Contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center at (858) 452-3937 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Let's work together to determine the ideal timing for your journey to visual freedom.
The gift of clear vision knows no age limit—only the right moment when everything aligns for your success. I look forward to helping you see that moment clearly.
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman is a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgery specialist and the Medical Director of Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego. She has been recognized as a "Top 10 Laser Eye Care Provider" by Forbes Magazine and has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures throughout her career.
