While there is a minimum age, there is technically no upper age limit for LASIK eye surgery.
Understanding LASIK Candidacy and Age
According to sources, including the reference provided:
- The minimum age requirement for LASIK surgery is 18 years old.
- There is no technical upper age limit for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK.
Rather than age itself, the crucial factor determining if someone is a candidate for LASIK is the stability and health of their eyes.
Key Factors for LASIK Candidacy
Candidacy is assessed through a comprehensive eye examination. Factors considered include:
- Stable Prescription: Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should not have changed significantly for at least a year or two.
- Overall Eye Health: You must have healthy eyes free from diseases like severe dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, or corneal issues.
- General Health: Certain systemic health conditions might affect healing.
- Corneal Thickness and Shape: Sufficient corneal tissue is needed for reshaping.
- Pupil Size: Large pupils can sometimes lead to night vision issues after surgery.
Even for older individuals, if their eyes are healthy and meet the other criteria, they can still be good candidates for LASIK. However, conditions common with age, such as cataracts or significant dry eye, might preclude someone from being a suitable candidate for LASIK, potentially making other vision correction options more appropriate.
