What is the best age for PRK?

When people think of laser vision correction, LASIK often comes to mind. But PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another popular option, especially for those who may not be suitable for LASIK. If you’re considering PRK, one of your first questions might be:

“What’s the best age to have PRK?”

The truth is, there’s no single “perfect” age, but there are age ranges where the results tend to be most stable and predictable.

Understanding PRK

PRK is a type of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea, making it a good option for people with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle needs.

The ideal age range

18 to 40 is generally the sweet spot for PRK. Here’s why:

• Prescription stability: Most people’s eyes stop changing around age 18 to 21. Before that, your prescription may still fluctuate, which can affect your results.
• Healthy eyes: Younger patients tend to heal faster and have fewer age-related eye changes.
• Active lifestyles: PRK is a good choice for athletes or people in jobs with a higher risk of eye injury, as it doesn’t involve a corneal flap.

PRK for people over 40

You can have PRK later in life, but there are a few considerations:

• Presbyopia: Around age 40, most people start to need reading glasses. PRK can correct distance vision, but you may still need help up close.
• Other eye changes: Conditions like dry eye or early cataracts can impact your results.

For some patients, lens-based options may be a better fit after 50. A comprehensive eye exam will help determine the safest and most effective treatment.

PRK for people under 18

PRK is not usually performed on people under 18 because the eyes are still developing. Surgery on an unstable prescription can lead to regression or the need for further correction later.

Why age matters for results

PRK permanently changes the shape of your cornea, but your eyes will continue to age naturally. Choosing the right timing helps you enjoy stable vision for as long as possible.

Is PRK right for you?

Your age is just one factor. Other considerations include:

• Prescription stability
• Corneal thickness and shape
• Eye health
• Lifestyle needs.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we perform detailed exams to make sure PRK is safe and appropriate for you.

Take the Next Step

Ready to find out if you’re the right age and a good candidate for PRK?
Start with our quick self-test.