Laser eye surgery, including LASIK and PRK, corrects common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgery reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses for many individuals.
Minimum Age for Surgery
Individuals must be at least 18 years old for laser eye surgery. This age requirement exists because eyes continue to develop throughout adolescence, and refractive error needs to be stable for successful, lasting outcomes. Vision often fluctuates significantly in individuals younger than 18. For a stable prescription, a patient’s vision should not have changed by more than 0.5 diopters for at least one to two years prior to surgery. Proceeding before this stability could lead to suboptimal or temporary results, as the refractive error may continue to shift.
Maximum Age for Surgery
There is no strict upper age limit for laser eye surgery. Suitability for older individuals depends on overall eye health and the absence of specific age-related eye conditions. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and severe dry eye can affect eligibility. For instance, if cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, significantly impact vision, cataract surgery with lens replacement might be more appropriate.
Standard laser eye surgery does not correct presbyopia, the age-related hardening of the eye’s natural lens that causes difficulty with near vision, often starting around age 40. While some advanced laser techniques, such as monovision LASIK or PresbyLASIK, can address presbyopia, they require specific consideration. The decision for older patients involves weighing laser surgery benefits against other vision correction options.
Other Factors Determining Eligibility
Beyond age, other factors determine eligibility for laser eye surgery. The overall health of the eyes is important. Conditions like keratoconus, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, or insufficient corneal thickness can disqualify a candidate because the procedure reshapes the cornea. Severe dry eye syndrome can also be a contraindication, as laser surgery may exacerbate dryness and impair healing.
General health also plays a role in candidacy. Certain systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impair healing, increasing complication risk. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause temporary vision changes, making it advisable to postpone surgery. Some medications, including certain oral corticosteroids or acne treatments, can affect healing or increase the risk of dry eye, requiring careful review by the surgeon. Additionally, factors like very large pupil size can sometimes lead to visual disturbances like halos or glare, particularly at night. A stable prescription, meaning no significant changes for at least one to two years, is a universal requirement for predictable and lasting results.
Vision Correction Alternatives
For individuals not candidates for laser eye surgery, several effective vision correction alternatives are available. Glasses and contact lenses remain common options, providing immediate and adjustable vision correction.
Other surgical alternatives exist for those seeking reduced dependence on corrective eyewear. Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) involve surgically placing a biocompatible lens inside the eye, typically between the iris and the natural lens, without removing the natural lens. This option suits individuals with high prescriptions or thin corneas who may not be candidates for traditional laser procedures.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE is similar to cataract surgery but performed on a clear lens to correct refractive errors, often considered for older patients, especially those with presbyopia or early signs of cataracts. These alternatives provide improved vision for a broader range of patients.