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LASIK Age: How Old Do You Have To Be for LASIK? Guide

The suitability for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is significantly influenced by the patient’s age. A minimum age threshold exists because the eyes must have reached a certain level of maturity and stability before the procedure can be considered safe and effective. Generally, this threshold is set at 18 years old, though variations may occur based on individual circumstances.

Meeting the age requirement is a critical factor for the long-term success of vision correction surgery. Eyes continue to change and develop throughout adolescence, and refractive errors can fluctuate. Performing surgery before these changes stabilize increases the likelihood that vision will regress, requiring further corrective measures in the future. Deferring treatment until the eyes are stable mitigates this risk and improves the chances of a lasting outcome.

Is There a Right Age? How Old to Get LASIK + Factors

The appropriate age for undergoing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a crucial consideration. It refers to the minimum and ideal developmental stage at which an individual’s eyes are sufficiently stable for the procedure to yield optimal and lasting results. As an example, an adolescent whose refractive error is still changing would not be a suitable candidate.

Determining the right age for this refractive surgery is important for minimizing the risk of regression and maximizing long-term visual correction. Historically, a focus on corneal stability, rather than simply chronological age, has been central to candidacy assessment. This approach helps ensure a higher probability of sustained improvement in visual acuity and reduces the potential need for subsequent corrective procedures.