Laser eye surgery, especially procedures such as LASIK and PRK, has become a common solution for those looking to give up glasses and lenses. This procedure is life-changing for those who have vision impairments, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A common question is how old someone can get laser surgery. It’s important to know the age at which laser eye surgery will produce the best outcomes. Let’s discuss the best age for laser vision correction.
When Is The Best Age To Consider Laser Eye Surgery?
Stability in your vision is the key to determining when you are ready for laser eye surgery. Bluefinvision Blog explains that it’s less about the numerical age of your eyes and more about when they have stopped changing. The best time for laser eye surgeries is when your prescription stabilizes after a few months or a full year. This stabilizes in early adulthood. Therefore, many surgeons advise you to wait until you reach your 20s.
Age Considerations In Laser Eye Treatment
Young Adults
In general, laser eye surgery professionals recommend that patients reach their early 20s to be considered for the procedure. This ensures the eyes are finished growing, and the prescription is unlikely to change. For those who fit this criteria, laser vision surgery can give them clear, sharp sight for decades.
While laser eye surgeries can be performed in young patients, especially if the prescription is stable, it is best to wait until the eyes have matured to achieve the best possible results.
Middle Age
People who are over 40 years old can also benefit from laser surgery. Many people at this age are still physically active and desire clearer, more comfortable vision. Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens in the eye becomes stiffer as people age. Presbyopia does not disqualify you from having laser surgery. You may still choose to have monovision LASIK (correcting one eye for distance and the opposite for near vision) if this is what you prefer.
Note that laser eye surgeries can correct refractive problems, but they do not stop the natural process of aging. Conditions like presbyopia and cataracts may occur in the later years of life, even if you had laser surgery.
Later Years
The laser eye procedure is still possible for those in their sixties, but many other factors come into play. In this age group, cataracts may occur, making them more likely to benefit from a different procedure.
The eyes’ health is a major factor in deciding whether or not to undergo laser eye surgeries later on. Many patients in their sixties have had successful laser eye surgeries and are pleased with the results. But a thorough examination of your eyes is required to determine if this is the right option.
What Do You Need To Know About Laser Eye Surgery?
The success or failure of laser eye surgery can be affected by several factors. These include your age and overall health. Your eye specialist will consider these elements when determining if laser vision surgery is right for you.
What Are The Things You Should Consider?
- Stable Prescription: Your prescription needs to be stable for two years or more before you can consider surgery.
- Healthy Eyes: Avoid active eye conditions like infections or severe eye drying.
- Realistic expectations: Laser eye surgery improves your vision, but it is important that you are realistic about your expectations. Some people may still require reading glasses or experience minor variations in vision following surgery.
Laser Eye Surgery Benefits
Laser eye surgery offers freedom from glasses and contacts, allowing for clear, natural-looking vision. Whether you are a traveler or an athlete who doesn’t want corrective glasses, laser eye surgery has many benefits.
- Clear Vision: Enjoy sharp vision without requiring corrective glasses daily.
- Convenience: You no longer have to search for your glasses or maintain contact lenses.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: While laser eye surgery is expensive initially, it can save you a lot of money on glasses, contacts, eye exams, and other eye care products.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery provides a fantastic solution for those seeking to improve sight and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses. When your prescription stabilizes (which for most people is in their early twenties), it’s the best time to get laser eye surgery. The life-changing operation can also be performed on people in their forties and fifties.
If you want to learn more about laser eye surgeries or cataract surgery, consult an experienced eye surgeon. They will assess and understand your vision needs and help you determine how to best achieve them.