LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision problems. For many, LASIK offers reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It is a popular option for vision correction due to its effectiveness and relatively quick recovery.
LASIK Age Requirement
The minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18, as approved by the FDA. However, many eye care professionals recommend waiting until at least the mid-20s. The primary reason is the need for stable vision, as prescriptions frequently change during adolescence and early adulthood.
Performing LASIK on an unstable prescription can lead to less effective, long-term results. For optimal outcomes, a patient’s vision prescription should remain unchanged for at least one year, with some recommending two consecutive years. Changes greater than 0.5 diopters within a year indicate refractive instability, making LASIK inadvisable. While 21 generally falls within the eligible age range, vision stability is the most important determinant.
Beyond Age Other Eligibility Factors
Beyond age and prescription stability, several other factors determine LASIK candidacy. Overall eye health is foundational; individuals should not have active eye diseases, infections, or injuries. Conditions such as severe dry eye, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or cataracts can disqualify a patient or require treatment before surgery.
Corneal thickness and shape are also considerations. The cornea must be thick enough for the creation of a corneal flap and reshaping by the laser, with a minimum residual stromal bed thickness of 250 microns after the procedure. Irregular corneal shapes, such as keratoconus, can make LASIK unsafe due to the risk of corneal ectasia (where the cornea bulges outward).
General health conditions also play a role. Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and uncontrolled diabetes, can impair healing. Some medications, including isotretinoin, can affect eye health or healing. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can temporarily alter vision, making it advisable to postpone LASIK until several months after breastfeeding ceases.
What to Expect During the LASIK Process
The journey toward LASIK begins with a comprehensive eye examination and consultation. During this initial visit, eye care professionals assess overall eye health, measure refractive errors, and evaluate corneal thickness and shape to determine candidacy. This assessment helps confirm if LASIK is the appropriate vision correction option and allows for a personalized treatment plan. Patients also discuss their vision goals.
Prior to the procedure, specific preparations are necessary, including discontinuing contact lens wear (typically days to weeks) as contacts can alter corneal shape. Patients might also use specific eye drops. On the day of the procedure, numbing eye drops are administered for comfort. An eyelid holder is placed to prevent blinking, and a suction ring may stabilize the eye.
The LASIK procedure is quick, often taking about 10 minutes for both eyes, with laser application lasting less than a minute per eye. A thin corneal flap is created using either a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, and then gently lifted. An excimer laser, precisely programmed with the patient’s unique eye measurements, reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. After reshaping, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres without stitches. Immediately following, patients typically experience some blurry vision and are given protective eyewear.
Life After LASIK Recovery and Outcomes
Immediately following LASIK, patients often experience some initial discomfort, such as a gritty sensation, and vision may be blurry or hazy. Rapid improvement in vision usually occurs within 24 hours. Resting the eyes by napping for a few hours post-procedure and avoiding screen time is common.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled, typically within 24 to 48 hours, to monitor healing and assess vision. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops to prevent infection and manage inflammation. While initial recovery is fast, full visual stabilization can take several weeks to months.
LASIK boasts high success rates, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts for most patients. Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos, or starbursts, particularly at night. These symptoms often resolve within weeks to months as eyes heal, and dry eye can be managed with lubricating drops. Serious complications are rare (less than one percent). Long-term results are generally stable, though a small percentage might require an enhancement procedure years later.