What Age Can You Get LASIK?

What is the Ideal Age to Have LASIK?

Surgical vision correction has come a long way since its early days, allowing more and more people to be free from the burden of glasses and contacts. From the first radial keratotomy procedure performed in Detroit, Michigan in 1978 to the FDA clinical trials of the year 2000 that made laser vision correction a completely bladeless procedure, LASIK has dramatically evolved over time.

ICON Eyecare has been there since almost day one.

While the basic concept of LASIK has remained the same all these years, everything surrounding the life-changing procedure has advanced by leaps and bounds.

Technology and technique have improved greatly over the last two decades and the efficacy of LASIK has also improved dramatically. Again, ICON Eyecare has played a major role in leading the way in vision correction advancements.

So when you have questions about LASIK, why not ask the experts; the pioneers in vision correction? We’re here to help.

One of the most common questions our LASIK surgeons at ICON Eyecare hear is, “ What age can you get LASIK? ”

It’s a great question. Age marks plenty of other milestones including driving, voting, working and even retiring. So, what about vision correction surgery? Let’s talk about it.

The short answer: The ideal LASIK age is not a specific number. But you should be at least 18 years of age to have LASIK surgery. In fact, LASIK is FDA-approved for those 18 and older. But sometimes it’s better to wait even longer.

Why?

The primary reason there’s a minimum age requirement for LASIK is to increase the likelihood that your eyes are stable and your refractive error — the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism you have — is unlikely to change after you have your LASIK surgery.

In particular, most people who are interested in LASIK are nearsighted, and myopia can worsen throughout childhood and even into early adulthood.

For this reason, it’s best for you to have annual eye exams for at least two years prior to LASIK surgery and for your vision prescription to be stable for at least one year before proceeding with vision correction surgery.

Studies show the most common LASIK age, in fact, falls between the ages of 20 and 40. Most eye surgeons agree the ideal LASIK surgery age is between 25–40 years old. By age 25, your eyes should have stopped changing.

While the age at which you have LASIK may influence the chances for success, it is only one of many factors. Good overall physical health, your family medical history, and a stable prescription are just as important. However, it is only after consulting with an expert eye surgeon that you can discover if LASIK is right for you.

ICON Eyecare for LASIK

At ICON Eyecare, a Center of Excellence, our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of patients achieve better vision. Many of these patients have chosen our popular Blade-Free LASIK. To schedule your LASIK Surgery Appointment, simply call 720.414.5310