Can You Be Too Old for LASIK?

At Laser Eye Center, our ophthalmologists meet with many middle-aged patients who are curious about LASIK but wonder if they have missed their window to have the surgery. While most LASIK patients are under the age of 40, age is not necessarily a disqualifying factor. In this blog, learn why it is acceptable to ask a doctor about LASIK at any age.

Candidacy Is Assessed on an Individual Basis

Regardless of age, each prospective patient must be evaluated to determine if they are a suitable candidate for LASIK. Just as some people under the age of 40 are not eligible for LASIK (those with thin corneas, for example), some over the age of 40 can be great candidates. In fact, many people have achieved amazing results from LASIK in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

The best way to find out if LASIK is the best option for your situation is to meet with an ophthalmologist. He or she will look at factors such as your overall health, the steadiness of your prescription, the thickness of your cornea and your pupil size to make an appropriate recommendation.

Why Do Most Patients Seek LASIK Before 40?

The main reason LASIK patients seek LASIK at a younger age is to correct refractive errors they have had since their youth. They have decided to have surgery as early as possible mainly to achieve independent vision and eliminate their reliance on eyewear, save money, as well as live their ‘best vision yet’ for the longest time possible. After all, the sooner you complete the procedure, the longer you will have to connect to the world through your eyes – free of any visual aids.

You Can Be Too Young, Too

The FDA has approved LASIK for patients 18 years of age and older, so it is possible to be too young for LASIK. Our surgeons suggest waiting until your early to mid-20s before having the procedure, to give your eyes time to stabilize.

An Alternative to LASIK

If you are ultimately not deemed an optimal candidate for LASIK due to your age and an unstable prescription, that does not mean you have to rely on glasses or contact lenses forever. You may be a strong candidate for implantable contact lenses and/or a clear lens exchange. With implantable contact lens, your ophthalmologist inserts contact lenses into your eye for ongoing vision correction. Clear lens exchange involves replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) for similar vision correction. Both surgeries are safe, and the improvements should last the rest of your life.

Laser Eye Center Can Help

Laser Eye Center is the most trusted provider of all-laser LASIK in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. If you are interested in decreasing your dependency on eyewear, our ophthalmologists would be happy to assess whether you are a good candidate for LASIK — no matter your age. Book a consultation today to speak with our experts.