LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure designed to correct vision problems, offering many the chance to reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. A frequent inquiry, especially among younger adults, concerns the appropriate age for treatment. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves LASIK for individuals 18 years and older, the decision involves more than just meeting a minimum age.
Is 20 the Right Age for LASIK?
While 20 years old meets the minimum age for LASIK, it is not always the ideal age. A significant factor in determining eligibility is vision stability. During adolescence and into the early twenties, a person’s eye prescription can frequently change as the eyes continue to develop.
Ophthalmologists generally recommend that a patient’s vision prescription remains stable for at least 12 to 24 months before undergoing LASIK. Vision changes, such as progression of nearsightedness, commonly occur until the mid-twenties, often stabilizing around age 25. Undergoing LASIK while vision is still fluctuating could lead to less effective or less long-lasting results, potentially requiring corrective lenses again.
Key Factors for Eligibility
Beyond age and vision stability, several other factors influence LASIK candidacy, necessitating a thorough pre-operative evaluation. General eye health is important; individuals should not have active eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or certain corneal conditions like keratoconus. Severe dry eye syndrome can also be a disqualifying factor, as LASIK can sometimes worsen existing dryness.
Corneal thickness is another important consideration. During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea, and underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser. A sufficient residual stromal bed must remain after the procedure to ensure corneal stability. If the cornea is too thin, it may not safely support the reshaping.
Pupil size was once a greater concern for potential night vision issues like glare and halos after surgery, particularly with older laser technologies. However, advancements in modern LASIK techniques, especially wavefront-guided procedures, have largely mitigated these risks, making large pupil size less of a disqualifying factor. General health also plays a role; certain systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) can affect the body’s healing process and may preclude LASIK. Additionally, temporary vision changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding make these periods unsuitable for LASIK.
Understanding the LASIK Process
The LASIK procedure is a precise and generally quick process, typically completed within minutes for each eye. It begins with a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation where the eye surgeon takes detailed measurements of the eye, including corneal thickness, pupil size, and the refractive error. This information is used to customize the treatment plan.
On the day of the surgery, anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eyes, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure. A specialized instrument, either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser, is then used to create a thin, hinged flap on the surface of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted and folded back, exposing the underlying corneal tissue.
An excimer laser, guided by the precise measurements taken during the pre-operative evaluation, reshapes the cornea. This corrects the refractive error, altering how light enters the eye to improve focus. Once the laser correction is complete, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres and heals without stitches. Immediate post-operative care typically involves resting the eyes, wearing protective shields, and using prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If an individual does not meet LASIK eligibility criteria, several alternative vision correction options are available. One common alternative is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), an earlier form of laser eye surgery. PRK reshapes the cornea directly on its surface after the outer layer is removed, rather than creating a flap. This makes PRK suitable for individuals with thinner corneas or those involved in activities where a corneal flap might pose a risk. While PRK generally has a longer and more uncomfortable recovery period than LASIK, it offers comparable long-term visual outcomes.
Another option is the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedure. This involves surgically implanting a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye, typically behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, without removing any corneal tissue. ICLs are often recommended for individuals with high prescriptions that fall outside the range treatable by LASIK, or for those with thin corneas. Unlike LASIK, the ICL is reversible, as the implanted lens can be removed if necessary. For some, continuing with glasses or contact lenses remains a safe and effective way to manage vision. If vision instability is the reason for disqualification, waiting for the prescription to stabilize may allow for future re-evaluation for LASIK or other procedures.