How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
If you wear glasses or contacts, you may have thought about getting LASIK to enjoy the freedom of clear vision. But how old do you have to be to have LASIK? Is there such a thing as being too young or too old for laser vision correction?
At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we specialize in helping patients achieve life-changing vision correction. Whether you're in your 20s or beyond, here’s what you need to know about the best age for LASIK and whether you’re a good candidate.
What Is the Minimum Age for LASIK?
The FDA has approved LASIK for individuals 18 and older, but most LASIK surgeons recommend waiting until at least your early to mid-20s before undergoing the procedure.
Why? Because your eyes continue to develop and change through your teenage years and early 20s. Your prescription should be stable for at least one year before you consider LASIK.
Why Do You Need a Stable Prescription?
Your vision naturally changes as you grow. If you have LASIK too soon and your prescription isn’t stable, your eyesight may continue to change after the procedure, reducing the long-term effectiveness of the surgery.
Most LASIK surgeons recommend that your prescription has remained the same for at least 12 months before considering laser vision correction.
Is There an Upper Age Limit for LASIK?
There’s no hard upper age limit for LASIK, but there are factors to consider:
- Ages 40+: Around your 40s, you may start experiencing presbyopia (age-related near vision changes). While LASIK can correct distance vision, it won’t stop presbyopia.
- Ages 60+: If you’re in your 60s or older, you may start developing cataracts. In this case, lens replacement surgery may be a better option than LASIK.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
To qualify for LASIK, you should:
- Be at least 18 years old, though most people wait until their 20s or 30s.
- Have a stable prescription for at least one year.
- Have healthy corneas and no major eye diseases.
- Not be pregnant or nursing (hormones can affect vision).
The best way to find out if you’re a candidate? Take our quick self-test and see if LASIK is right for you!
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
