Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing the world clearly without fumbling for your glasses or popping in your contacts. That’s the dream LASIK promises! But, like all good things, there’s a catch. Not everyone can jump on the LASIK bandwagon as soon as they want to, especially when age is a deciding factor.
Let’s explore why age plays such a crucial role in qualifying for LASIK and what you need to consider before taking the plunge into this popular vision correction surgery.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get LASIK?
First things first, let’s talk about the age requirement. Generally, the magic number is 18. But why 18, you ask? Well, it all boils down to eye development. Your eyes, much like the rest of your body, are still growing and changing throughout your teenage years. This means your prescription might continue to fluctuate, making it tricky to lock in a stable vision correction with LASIK.
While 18 is the standard minimum age, there are rare cases where younger patients might be considered candidates for LASIK. For example, certain medical conditions affecting the eyes might warrant an exception. However, these cases are exceptions, not the rule.
Upper Age Limit Considerations
There isn’t a strict upper age limit for LASIK, but as you age, other factors gain importance in determining your candidacy.
Common concerns for older adults:
- Presbyopia: As you enter your 40s, you may start to experience difficulty in reading up close. This is known as presbyopia and is a natural part of the aging process. LASIK cannot correct this condition, so it’s important to consider this before undergoing surgery.
- Cataracts: As we age, cataracts become more common. This cloudiness or opacity in the lens of your eye can cause blurry vision and other issues. If you have cataracts, LASIK might not be suitable for you.
- Other health conditions: Age can come with certain health conditions that might disqualify you from being a candidate for LASIK. These could include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or other eye conditions like glaucoma.
Other Factors Influencing LASIK Candidacy
Age isn’t the only thing on the checklist for LASIK candidacy. Let’s go over a few other factors that can play a role in determining if you’re ready for LASIK:
- Eye health: Your overall eye health is crucial in determining your eligibility for LASIK. You’ll need to have healthy corneas, a stable prescription, and no underlying conditions that could affect the outcome of the surgery.
- Prescription stability: As mentioned earlier, having a stable prescription for at least one year is essential before considering LASIK. This ensures that the results of the surgery will be accurate and long-lasting.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect your vision and prescription. Most doctors recommend waiting until these life stages are over before undergoing LASIK.
Alternative Options for Younger or Older Patients
If LASIK isn’t feasible, alternatives exist. Younger patients can use glasses or contacts until vision stabilizes. Older patients might consider multifocal lenses or cataract surgery, addressing various vision needs effectively.
If LASIK is Right for You, Call EyeSight Hawaii
Choosing the right provider for your LASIK procedure is just as important as meeting the qualifications. At EyeSight Hawaii, our 25 years of experience in providing LASIK to patients sets us apart. Our commitment to helping patients find the best solution for their vision needs means you’re in expert hands. With decades of experience, we’re equipped to offer personalized care tailored to your unique vision goals.
So hopefully, we’ve answered the question ‘How old do you have to be to get LASIK?’. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions and provide personalized guidance. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards clearer, sharper vision!
