LASIK, a surgical procedure that permanently corrects refractive errors in your vision, is rightfully the most popular form of laser eye surgery. LASEK is a similar procedure with a few key differences that make it a more appropriate choice for some candidates. You can learn more about the differences between LASIK and LASEK here.
At Advanced Lasik in New York City and Long Beach, California, we’ve got you covered no matter which option is best for you. Our ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, Dr. Randa Garrana, is one of the leading laser eye surgeons in the country, practicing on both coasts.
One important consideration for any surgery is timing. In the case of LASIK and LASEK, there’s an optimal age window for attaining the best possible results.
This doesn’t mean that laser vision correction procedures must be done within the ideal window. Instead, these are guidelines to help you achieve the maximum benefits while minimizing potential complications. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your refractive surgery.
Like much of your body, your eyes won’t reach full maturity until your late teens at the earliest. LASIK surgery is FDA-approved for people 18 years of age and older.
However, it’s generally regarded as surgical best practice to wait a few more years until your eyesight stabilizes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends a practical minimum age of 21 years old, with some surgeons recommending a minimum age of 25.
The bottom line? Every patient’s situation is unique. Dr. Garrana considers other factors too, such as the severity of your refractive error and the physical condition of your eyes.
Similarly, the age of 40 serves as a general guideline for the upper age limit for laser eye surgery. However, it’s not a rigid barrier to those with vision issues. The age of 40 is a convenient across-the-board target for people who can handle surgery in stride.
The upper ceiling for refractive eye surgery is much more flexible than the eyesight maturity question on the other end of the scale.
One problem with the age of 40 as an upper limit is that some people haven’t developed significant refractive errors by this age. This segment of the population may be in the earliest stages of reading glasses after a lifetime of perfect vision.
Patients up to the age of about 55 may still be good candidates for LASIK or LASEK if they are in good health, don’t smoke, and have no other health conditions that might cause surgical complications (i.e., diabetes).
Beyond the age of 55, there are more factors related to aging to consider, including other eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. However, there really is no upper limit on laser eye surgery for patients in good health willing to balance the procedure’s benefits and risks.
Are you interested in learning more about vision correction surgery? The process starts with a LASIK eligibility evaluation conducted by Dr. Garrana at your nearest Advanced Lasik office in the Midtown East section of New York City, or Long Beach, California.
After this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Garrana reviews the unique aspects of your eyesight and recommends the most appropriate way to upgrade your vision. To get started, call or click to request an appointment today.
