What is the best age for LASIK?

Would you like to enjoy the freedom that comes with a life without glasses and contacts? If so, you may have started your research into LASIK eye surgery.

Many patients interested in this procedure ask us what the minimum age for LASIK eye surgery is. Some worry they’ve missed their chance and are too old to undergo the procedure.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start pursuing better vision. If you’re young and your prescription is changing, however, you may need to wait.

We’ve put together this short post so you can see if you meet the LASIK age requirements and discover what the best age for LASIK is.

What’s the minimum age for LASIK eye surgery?

You must be over the age of 18 to have LASIK eye surgery. This is because your prescription continues to change in children and young adults.

This also applies to adults around the age of 40 and older. Around age 40 and age 60, your eyesight shifts once again. This is why adults over 40 see less improvement in their vision compared to younger adults.

However, there are options to improve your eyesight without the use of glasses or contacts at any age.

What’s the best age for LASIK?

The best age for LASIK eye surgery is around 25-30 years of age. This is because eye prescriptions start to settle. After age 18, the development of your eyesight slows. This means your prescription is less likely to change.

Another reason why this is an optimal age for LASIK is due to the amount of time you have to enjoy the benefits. While LASIK lasts a lifetime for the majority of patients, your eyes begin to change again (naturally) in later life. This is due to a process called presbyopia. This means that even though your eyesight is still better than it would have been without LASIK, it may slightly diminish as you age. Getting LASIK in your mid-20s is optimal, so you can receive the maximum benefits for a longer.

LASIK eligibility for patients over 40

If you are over the age of 40, you can still have LASIK. There is no maximum age limit for LASIK, but it can make the process slightly more complicated. This is not a reason to avoid treatment. Many older adults enjoy the benefits of LASIK. As long as you’re a non-smoker, in good health with no history of medical problems, this shouldn’t affect your eligibility for LASIK vision correction. A family history of corneal disorders, glaucoma, and diabetes are also considerations for this age group. You will need to work with your surgeon to consider any conditions or prescription changes to ensure you get the best outcome.

Many adults over the age of 45 begin to develop conditions such as presbyopia (the age-related need for reading glasses) and cataracts. Because of this, doctors may recommend other procedures such as LASIK blended vision or lens replacement.

If you do not have any other medical eye conditions, LASIK blended vision can help you read again without glasses. If you’re in the early stages of cataracts, lens replacement can restore clear vision and sharp focus.

The best way to determine your eligibility is to book a free assessment. Only a qualified eye surgery specialist can give you a clear recommendation.

Affording LASIK

Many people sacrifice glasses-free vision due to cost. What they often forget is that you typically spend more on the cost of glasses and contact lenses over the course of a lifetime than on a one-off LASIK treatment.

Finding the right plan is essential when pursuing LASIK eye surgery. We offer 24-month interest-free payment plans, so you don’t have to miss out on better vision.

Get started on your LASIK journey

Now that you have a better idea of the minimum age for LASIK eye surgery, you’re ready to start your journey to better vision.

There are many options to improve your eyesight, and it’s worth finding out if LASIK is right for you, regardless of your age. You don’t have to be in your 20s to enjoy better vision.

Start by booking a free consultation with one of our specialists today.

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HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST

With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.

I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.

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