Laser eye surgery has given tens of millions of people better vision and freedom from corrective eyewear. Some age groups are better candidates for laser vision correction than others. While there is no set age range for LASIK, there is a “sweet spot” for patients: 20 to 40 years old. However, age is less of a factor than eye health and a stable prescription. Our eye surgeon, Dr. George Khouri, in West Palm Beach, offers LASIK and other vision correction procedures to patients of all ages.
LASIK for 18- to 24-Year-Olds
Men and women between the ages of 18 and 24 must often wait a few more years for laser vision correction because vision prescriptions are still fluctuating during these years. Candidates for LASIK must have a stable vision prescription for at least one year. There may be exceptions for certain professions, such as professional athletes, law enforcement, and military personnel.
LASIK for 25- to 40-Year-Olds
Most LASIK patients fall into this category. The 25 to 40 age group is ideal for several reasons. Contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions typically stabilize by your mid-twenties. Most patients have excellent ocular health. A stable prescription is crucial for LASIK and helps avoid the need for a secondary procedure when vision changes. After age 40, patients may experience blurry near vision because the natural eye lens stiffens or hardens with age (presbyopia), making it challenging to focus on nearby objects.
LASIK for 40- to 55-Year-Olds
People ages 40 to 55 often have presbyopia. LASIK addresses misshapen corneas that cause refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Laser eye surgery does not correct issues with the natural eye lens inside the eye. Some people in this age range may still qualify for LASIK if they are healthy, don’t smoke, and show no signs of eye diseases, such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and corneal disorders.
Refractive lens exchange may be more appropriate for people in this age group because the procedure removes the eye lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant that addresses presbyopia and other refractive errors. This vision correction option also negates the need for cataract surgery later on because the artificial lens implant cannot form a cataract.
LASIK for 56-Year-Olds and Older
People 56 and older often show signs of early cataract formation or other eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. These conditions are common in older people, which disqualifies these patients from laser eye surgery. However, early cataract surgery can improve vision and reduce dependence on contact lenses and glasses with advanced IOLs.
If you’re interested in LASIK, contact Palm Beach Eye Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, at (561) 366-8300 to schedule your LASIK consultation. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Khouri online.
