It’s possible to be too young for LASIK, but can you be too old? The FDA approved LASIK for adults 18 years-old and up, but doctors prefer patients to wait until after age 24 due to the fact that eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions tend to stabilize around that time. But where does that leave older adults hoping to reap the benefits of LASIK? With plenty of options, actually! Keep reading to learn more.
There is No Set Age for LASIK
Other than the minimum age of 18 set by the FDA, there is not a set age for LASIK that limits older adults from exploring the benefits of LASIK eye surgery. Age can influence your candidacy for LASIK, but age alone will not serve as the deciding factor in determining your candidacy for the procedure.
The Average Age of LASIK Patients is 20-40
In general, the age range for getting LASIK is between 20 and 40 years of age. The reason for this lies in prescription stability and the window between the ages of 25 and 40 during which your prescription is least likely to change.
What Happens After Age 40?
Most LASIK eye surgeons agree that people aged 25-40 are within the ideal age range for LASIK candidacy. Why? Because by the age of 25, eyeglass and contact prescriptions have most likely stabilized. A stable prescription is one of the hallmarks of a good LASIK candidate.
Just as your prescription didn’t stabilize until about the time you turned 25, it’s just as likely to destabilize around the time you turn 40. Even if you were lucky enough to enjoy perfect vision until your 40’s when reading glasses became necessary, it doesn’t mean you can’t get LASIK. The best way to determine your candidacy for LASIK surgery is to schedule a consultation with your doctor.
LASIK: An Option for Seniors?
There is no upper limit preventing seniors from having LASIK eye surgery, but many factors must be taken into consideration before someone in, say, their late 50’s or older, is approved as a candidate. Cataracts, an eye condition most often affecting seniors, is one of the reasons for someone in this age group to be considered ineligible.
Your age alone will not disqualify you from LASIK. If cataracts have developed, cataract surgery should be prioritized over LASIK. Plus, with modern advancements in cataract surgery, it’s possible to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with intraocular lenses (IOLs) during cataract surgery.
LASIK at Any Age
Good overall health and a stable prescription are the most important factors when considering LASIK eye surgery candidacy. Contact Ellis Eye in San Francisco to schedule your consultation with an expert eye surgeon to find out if LASIK is right for you!
