Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular surgical procedure designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This treatment uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. Achieving clear vision without glasses or contact lenses has led many younger people to inquire about eligibility. Determining candidacy for LASIK is a complex process involving multiple factors related to eye development and overall health.
The Standard Minimum Age for LASIK
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a guideline stating that patients must be at least 18 years old to undergo a LASIK procedure. This minimum age is a regulatory threshold that applies to the laser devices used in the surgery, ensuring a baseline level of maturity in potential candidates. While 18 is the minimum, it acts as a starting point rather than a guarantee of eligibility.
Many eye surgeons prefer to wait until patients are slightly older, often recommending they hold off until their early to mid-twenties. The decision to proceed is made on a case-by-case basis, with the surgeon using professional judgment based on a comprehensive eye examination. The minimum age serves as the initial screening criterion, but the stability of the patient’s vision over time is more important.
Physiological Reasons for the Age Requirement
The biological reason for the age restriction is the necessity of achieving ocular maturity, which is linked to the stability of the eye’s refractive error. During adolescence and into the early twenties, the human eye continues to grow and develop, especially in cases of myopia (nearsightedness). This growth causes the eye’s shape to change, leading to fluctuations in the required vision correction prescription.
Performing LASIK on an eye that is still changing risks the correction degrading shortly after surgery. A stable prescription is defined as one that has not changed by more than 0.5 diopters for at least 12 to 24 months. If the prescription is still shifting, the precise laser correction will quickly become inaccurate. Ensuring this period of stability maximizes the likelihood that the visual correction achieved by LASIK will be long-lasting and effective.
Essential Clinical Requirements Beyond Age
Meeting the minimum age requirement is only the first hurdle in the candidacy evaluation process, which involves a detailed assessment of the patient’s ocular anatomy and systemic health. Corneal thickness is a primary measurement, determined through a test called pachymetry. Since LASIK removes tissue to reshape the cornea, a patient must have sufficient residual thickness after the procedure to maintain the eye’s structural integrity.
The shape of the cornea is analyzed using corneal topography. This mapping ensures the cornea does not have an irregular shape, which could indicate keratoconus, a progressive thinning that disqualifies a patient from LASIK. Several pre-existing health conditions can also contraindicate the procedure, as they may compromise healing or the final visual outcome:
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Uncontrolled glaucoma or retinal diseases
- Systemic health issues, including autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes
Next Steps for Ineligible Younger Candidates
For individuals who are enthusiastic about LASIK but are currently too young or lack prescription stability, the recommended path involves patience and proactive vision management. The safest alternatives during this waiting period are modern contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses. These options allow for clear vision while accommodating changes in the eye’s refractive error.
Younger candidates should prioritize scheduling regular comprehensive eye examinations, typically every 12 months, to accurately track their prescription. Maintaining a detailed record of these changes helps determine when the necessary 12-to-24-month period of stability has been achieved. A surgeon may also discuss non-LASIK alternatives, such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), which may suit those with thinner corneas or high prescriptions. The waiting period is a necessary step to ensure the safest and most successful long-term outcome.