LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery corrects common vision problems. While many wonder about age restrictions, candidacy is not solely determined by age. Several other factors influence whether someone is a suitable candidate for this vision correction.
Understanding the Minimum Age
A minimum age requirement for LASIK exists because the human eye, particularly its refractive error, continues to develop throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set the minimum age for LASIK at 18 years old. This guideline ensures the eyes have reached ocular maturity, meaning the corneas have likely stabilized in shape.
The stability of vision is more significant than simply reaching age 18. Eye care professionals prefer a patient’s prescription has remained unchanged for at least 12 to 24 months before LASIK. This stability often occurs around the mid-twenties, with some individuals experiencing changes even later. Performing LASIK before vision stabilizes could lead to less effective or less durable results, potentially requiring additional correction.
Understanding the Upper Age
There is no strict upper age limit for LASIK eye surgery; however, certain age-related eye conditions can influence its suitability. Individuals in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s have successfully undergone LASIK, but conditions more common in older adults may make other vision correction procedures more appropriate.
Presbyopia, an age-related farsightedness that begins around age 40, causes difficulty focusing on close objects. LASIK corrects distance vision and does not prevent or treat presbyopia, meaning reading glasses may still be needed. Additionally, cataracts, which involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, become more prevalent with age, especially after 60. If cataracts are present, cataract surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one, is recommended first, as it can also correct refractive errors and may eliminate the need for LASIK.
Other Important Eligibility Factors
Beyond age, several other factors determine LASIK eligibility. A stable eye prescription, with no significant changes for at least one year, is a fundamental requirement. The cornea’s thickness is also assessed, as the procedure involves reshaping the cornea, and sufficient thickness is necessary for safety and long-term corneal health.
Overall eye health is another consideration, including the absence of conditions such as glaucoma, severe dry eye, or other eye diseases that could affect healing or surgical outcomes. General health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes, can also impact eligibility due to their potential effects on the body’s healing process. Pregnancy and nursing status are temporary disqualifiers, as hormonal fluctuations during these periods can cause vision changes.
Exploring LASIK Alternatives
For individuals not candidates for LASIK due to age or other factors, several effective vision correction alternatives exist. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser-based procedure similar to LASIK but does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser, making it suitable for those with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle considerations.
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs), also known as phakic intraocular lenses, are another option where a permanent, biocompatible lens is surgically placed inside the eye, typically behind the iris. This procedure is recommended for individuals with high refractive errors or thin corneas not suitable for LASIK, and the lens can be removed if needed. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. RLE can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including presbyopia, and eliminates the future development of cataracts, making it a choice for older patients.