Whether you play sports, travel frequently, or are simply sick of wearing glasses and contacts, LASIK is an amazing alternative for people with poor eyesight. But one question many people have before considering this procedure is when is the best time to get LASIK? Is there a right or wrong time? Because there are differing opinions when it comes to the best time to get LASIK we’ve compiled a list of criteria to consider before making an appointment with your optometrist.
How Young Is Too Young For LASIK?
If you are under eighteen years of age, it is likely that your eyes have not fully developed. Because of this, most doctors won’t perform LASIK on people under eighteen years of age unless they have parental consent and a prescription that has stayed constant for at least two years. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Children and teens with severe vision problems may be considered candidates for LASIK.
The Right Age For LASIK
Generally, the perfect candidate for LASIK is someone between the ages of 20 and 40. This is because a major determining factor in LASIK candidacy is a stable eye prescription for at least two years. Just as your body grows and matures through adolescence, so do your eyes. Research shows that your eyes begin to stabilize and your prescription is more likely to remain steady after the age of 20.
Other Common Ages to Have LASIK
Around 40 years old, eyesight begins to change and many people notice the need for reading glasses. This condition, known as presbyopia, makes it difficult for the eye to focus on objects up close. LASIK doesn’t correct presbyopia but it can be beneficial in this situation by creating what’s known as monovision. Monovision is when one eye is corrected for near vision while the other eye is stronger for distance vision.
Eyesight can yet again change around the age of 60. At this point, people may start developing cataracts. Though LASIK is not the appropriate surgery for cataracts, these candidates may significantly benefit from laser cataract surgery.
The benefits of LASIK have convinced millions of people to undergo this procedure. If you fit the criteria mentioned above or want to know if certain conditions preclude you from getting the surgery, make an appointment with your optometrist today. They can walk you through the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and let you know if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery.