Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), offers a way to correct common vision problems. It addresses refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. During these procedures, a specialized laser reshapes the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, to properly focus light onto the retina.
The Foundation of Vision Stability
A significant factor in determining suitability for laser eye surgery is the stability of an individual’s vision prescription. Vision can undergo changes throughout adolescence and into early adulthood as the eyes continue to develop, with nearsightedness often progressing during these years. Performing surgery on an eye with an unstable prescription risks an outcome where the initial correction may not last, potentially leading to a return of refractive error.
Surgeons typically recommend that a patient’s prescription has remained stable for a specific period, often one to two years, before considering laser eye surgery. This stability indicates that the eye’s refractive error has settled, providing a reliable target for the laser to reshape the cornea accurately. While chronological age is a consideration, the primary determinant for candidacy is this established pattern of vision stability.
Considering Younger Ages for Surgery
There is generally a lower age limit for laser eye surgery, with most surgeons recommending a minimum age of 18 to 21 years old. This recommendation is primarily due to the ongoing development of the eyes during the teenage years and early twenties. Refractive errors, particularly nearsightedness, can continue to change significantly before this age. Operating on eyes that are still developing could mean that the achieved correction might not be permanent, requiring further procedures later on. Waiting until early adulthood, when the eye’s growth and refractive state have generally settled, is a common practice among ophthalmologists.
Considering Older Ages for Surgery
While there is no strict upper age limit for laser eye surgery, other age-related eye conditions become more prevalent and can influence suitability. Presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, affects nearly everyone, typically starting around age 40, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Laser eye surgery primarily corrects distance vision and does not prevent or fully address presbyopia. Some individuals may opt for a “monovision” correction, where one eye is adjusted for distance and the other for near vision, but this is a specific strategy that may not suit everyone.
Cataracts, which involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, also increase in prevalence with age. Laser eye surgery corrects the cornea but does not prevent or treat cataracts. If cataracts are present or developing, they may eventually require separate surgical intervention, which could impact the long-term benefits of laser vision correction. Additionally, dry eye syndrome tends to become more common with age, and this condition can affect candidacy for surgery and post-operative comfort and healing.