PRK surgery age limit: What you should know before booking your procedure

Laser eye surgery is a life-changing decision, and many people want to know whether age is a factor when it comes to PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Is there a minimum or maximum age limit? And when is the best time to have surgery?

In this guide, we answer the most common questions about PRK surgery and age limits. We explain when it might be too soon or too late to consider the procedure, and what your surgeon will look for before giving the green light.

If you're considering laser eye surgery, visit our PRK Surgery Brisbane page. Or take our suitability self-test to find out if you're a good candidate.

Why surgeons recommend waiting until adulthood for PRK surgery

Most surgeons will not perform PRK on anyone under the age of 18. That’s because your eyes and your prescription may still be changing.

Laser vision correction is most effective when your prescription is stable. This usually happens between the ages of 18 and 25. If your prescription continues to change, the results of surgery may not last.

In short: The minimum age for PRK is 18, but waiting until your early to mid-20s is often better¹ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk.

How age affects PRK surgery outcomes and eye health

PRK surgery works by reshaping the cornea with a laser to improve the way light focuses in the eye² https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/prk/. Your age can influence how well your cornea responds to treatment and how quickly you recover.

Younger adults with healthy eyes and a stable prescription often achieve excellent results.

Older adults may still benefit from PRK, but your surgeon will take extra care to check for:

• Dry eyes
• Corneal thinning
• Early cataract changes
• Presbyopia (age-related changes in close-up vision).

PRK surgery for younger patients: Is it always too early?

There are some exceptions. If you have a high prescription or trouble wearing glasses or contact lenses, and your prescription has been stable for over a year, your surgeon may consider PRK from age 18 onward³https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk.

But most ophthalmologists still recommend waiting until at least 21 to 25 for the best long-term results.

Is there a maximum age limit for PRK surgery?

There is no strict upper age limit for PRK surgery.

If your eyes are healthy and you're not yet ready for cataract surgery, PRK may still be an option in your 40s, 50s, or beyond. Your suitability depends more on your eye health than your age.

You may not be suitable if:

• You have advanced dry eye
• Your cornea is too thin
• You have existing eye disease or cataracts.

PRK vs. contact lenses: Which is better for long-term vision?

Many people consider PRK when they become tired of the hassle or cost of contact lenses. Others are sensitive to lenses or struggle with dryness.

If your prescription is stable and your eyes are otherwise healthy, PRK may offer a long-term alternative that reduces or removes the need for contact lenses.

It’s also worth noting that some studies suggest long-term contact lens wear may slightly increase the risk of infection or inflammation—especially for those with poor hygiene practices.

Why PRK surgeons assess eye maturity before surgery

Before approving anyone for surgery, your ophthalmologist will look at more than just your age. They will assess:

• The stability of your glasses or contact lens prescription
• The thickness and shape of your cornea
• Your tear film and eye surface health.

A detailed consultation helps your surgeon determine if the timing is right for PRK.

Does PRK surgery have different age limits than LASIK?

PRK and LASIK are both laser eye surgery options, but they differ in how they are performed. PRK is flap-free, which makes it better for some people with thinner corneas or active lifestyles.

Age requirements for PRK and LASIK are generally the same:

• Minimum age: 18 (with a stable prescription)
• No fixed maximum age, as long as the eyes are healthy.

Your surgeon will help you decide which option suits your eyes, your vision goals, and your lifestyle.

When Is the Right Age for PRK?

While the minimum age for PRK surgery is 18, the best outcomes are often seen in adults aged 25 to 40. There’s no real upper age limit, but a detailed consultation is the best way to determine your suitability.

PRK is a safe and effective vision correction procedure when performed on the right person at the right time.

Take the PRK suitability self-test to learn more about whether this could be right for you.