When is the Best Time to Get LASIK?

LASIK remains one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction technique in the United States, with countless people choosing the treatment to improve their eyesight every year. LASIK works by reshaping the clear dome covering the front part of the eye so that light is refracted onto the cornea correctly. It’s safe, it’s effective and it can transform lives.

Legally, a patient has to be at least 18 years of age to be able to have LASIK laser vision correction. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that 18 is the right age to get LASIK. In fact, many patients of this age are advised to wait. Here we take a look at what factors can influence choosing the right time for LASIK.

The Ideal Age Range for LASIK

Most LASIK eye surgeons agree that between 25 and 40 is the ideal age range to get LASIK laser vision correction. One of the main reasons for this is that by the age of 25, most people will have found that their eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions have stabilized. This means that their vision is unlikely to get significantly worse or better.

Are There Exceptions?

Although 25 to 40 is considered the optimal age to get LASIK, special considerations may be made for patients who are in the military or law enforcement, or for professional athletes. You will need to explain your reasons for wanting LASIK earlier to your eye doctor at your consultation appointment.

LASIK After 40

40 is generally considered to be the upper optimal age for getting LASIK. This is because, after this age, many people start to develop a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia refers to the natural hardening of the lens of the eye, and this makes it harder to adjust your focus. People who develop presbyopia find that it becomes increasingly more difficult to see nearby objects, such as books and cell phone screens.

It's also important to consider the fact that other eye problems are more likely to occur as you get older too. Cataracts is one example of an ocular condition that most often affects the older generation and is one that could prevent you from being classed as a good candidate for LASIK.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Every patient is unique and will be assessed for their suitability as a candidate for LASIK on a case-by-case basis. However, typically people who are considered eligible for LASIK are those who:
 

• Are over the age of 18
   

• Have had a stable prescription for at least two years
   

• In good general health
   

• Do not have a family history of corneal disorders or other eye diseases
   

• Do not currently have any issues with the health of their eyes
   

• Have a prescription that falls within specific parameters
   

• Isn’t pregnant or nursing
   

• Has sufficient corneal thickness

If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK laser vision surgery, visit Family Eye Clinic in Midlothian, Texas. Call (972) 775-8000 to schedule an appointment today.