Whether you realize it or not, visual problems affect people of all ages. Some people have had to wear glasses since grade school, or may need reading glasses.
If glasses or contacts aren’t for you, you may be considering LASIK. One of the limits with a procedure like LASIK is age.
You can be too young for the procedure, but being too old is not possible. Keep reading to learn why age limits exist for LASIK!
Lower Age Limit
Almost all surgeons who perform LASIK prefer patients to be at least 21. The reason for this is because as we grow, our eyesight continues to change until we stop growing. And believe it or not, even after we turn 18 we still continue to grow.
For most patients, once you turn 21, your eyesight will stop changing. LASIK patients must also have a prescription that hasn’t changed in 2 years or more. This ensures that LASIK is as effective as possible and safe.
No Upper Age Limit!
While you do have to be old enough to have LASIK, there are no upper limits on how old you can be. Even patients in their eighties have had LASIK successfully.
If you want to have LASIK and you’re over 21, age shouldn’t be a factor. However, there are other factors that go into qualifying for LASIK that have nothing to do with age. If you do not qualify for these factors, it is likely you are not a good candidate for LASIK.
Age-Related Factors
To have LASIK surgery, you should be in good health. This means you cannot have any eye-related conditions or diseases as well. Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are often more common in older patients.
If you have one of these conditions, this will make you a less qualified candidate for LASIK. Having any kind of autoimmune disease or diabetes can make it more risky to have any kind of surgery like LASIK.
If you are a certain age and have an illness that may make surgery riskier, that doesn’t mean you’ll get disqualified. If your illness is well managed, your surgeon may feel comfortable performing LASIK. In some circumstances, it may be more effective to receive a different kind of procedure.
For example, if you have cataracts, it’s better to have cataract surgery. With cataract surgery, you can get an IOL that will correct your vision.
LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, which does not help cataract patients regain vision. If the IOL doesn’t correct your vision enough, LASIK or PRK can be considered later. LASIK is a premium elective procedure for vision correction.
Though it is life changing, LASIK is not right for everyone. For patients looking for vision correction who don’t qualify for LASIK, PRK is a good option. PRK delivers similar results like LASIK but is safer for patients who aren’t right for LASIK.
Are you 21 or older? Want to see without glasses or contacts? Consider LASIK! You can request an appointment and get evaluated for LASIK by one of our professionals at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ!
