LASIK is a great option for many people who suffer from poor eyesight. But one question many people have before considering this procedure is when is the best time to get LASIK? There is a right and wrong age for LASIK.
The Right Age For LASIK
Generally, the perfect candidate for LASIK is someone between the ages of 20 and 40. This is because a major determining factor in LASIK candidacy is a stable eye prescription for at least two years. Just as your body grows and matures through adolescence, so do your eyes. Research shows that your eyes begin to stabilize and your prescription is more likely to remain steady after the age of 20.
LASIK for Teens
Although LASIK is a safe and effective way to improve vision, the FDA has not approved the procedure for people under the age of 18 because their eyes are not fully developed. In some cases, a person’s eyes may not fully develop until the age of 21. A teenager who undergoes LASIK surgery when their eyes are not fully developed will find the results to be temporary and may need corrective surgery in the future.
Older LASIK Patients
Older patients typically suffer from age-related conditions that cannot be treated with LASIK surgery, such as cataracts, and therefore may not be good candidates for the LASIK procedure. Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss among older people. Patients with cataracts should consider undergoing cataract surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced by an artificial lens.
The benefits of LASIK have convinced millions of people to undergo this procedure. To determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons in Laguna Hills by contacting Harvard Eye Associates at 949-951-2020 or harvardeye.com.
