If lens scratches are “messing” up your vision, and your contact lenses are endlessly irritating you, clear vision may be a daily challenge. If you’re dreaming of ditching your eyewear aids, you’ve likely been wondering, “At what age can you get LASIK?” Let’s explore the nuances of LASIK at different life stages and help you determine the ideal time for your vision correction journey – whether you’re seeking the best age for LASIK or questioning if you’re too young for LASIK treatment.

Getting LASIK At What Age For My Kids or Teenagers? (12-19)

If you’re curious about what age is too young for LASIK as a parent, here’s what you need to know!

Children and LASIK

Children are too young for LASIK, due to the instability of their vision, which is still developing. Frequent prescription changes make them unsuitable candidates.

What Age Is LASIK Appropriate For Teenagers

For teenagers, particularly in their late teens, the question of “at what age can you get LASIK” becomes more relevant, since LASIK is approved for individuals 18+. As a parent, you might be a bit shocked and say, “wait, you can get LASIK at what age?” but just because 18 is the minimum, doesn’t mean it’s the best age for LASIK. The FDA recommends a stable prescription for at least 2 years, as those under 20 are at a higher risk for refractive instability. Still, if your refraction has been stable, patients in this age range can achieve excellent vision with LASIK. If you do get LASIK at a younger age and your prescription changes later in life you can get an enhancement to refresh the correction.

Should I Get LASIK As A Young Adult? (20-25)

If you’re a young adult aged 20-25, you might be considering taking that step towards a glasses-free lifestyle. As your prescription changes become less frequent, it’s an exciting time to explore the possibility of ditching your visual aids for good. But, can you?

Vision often stabilizes between 24-26, so you may need to wait a few more years. Beyond this, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or using steroid-type medications, these can also cause temporary vision changes, requiring you to wait. However, by age 22 most eyes have finished growing. If your prescription for glasses has not changed in the past year or two, you may be a great candidate for LASIK. Young adults are often very active and can benefit from not being tied to contacts and glasses.

LASIK in Your Prime Years (26-40)

The Best Age For LASIK

Ages 26-40, are the best age for LASIK surgery, as your vision should be stable by this point. You can also align the treatment with lifestyle changes like career advancement and increased physical activity. Our patients often report major benefits of getting LASIK at this age, including:

1. Active Lifestyle: Engage more in sports and physical activities by eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
2. Travel Ease: Enjoying carefree travel without worrying about packing contact lens solution or breaking glasses.
3. Career Advancement: Many professions benefit from improved vision without the need for corrective lenses (healthcare, emergency responders, athletes).
4. Greater Independence: LASIK can provide a sense of freedom from the hassle of ordering contacts or replacing prescription eyewear.
5. Increased Self Confidence: Many patients report a boost in confidence in both social and professional settings after LASIK.

Considerations

About 90% of patients who undergo LASIK in their prime achieve 20/20 vision or better with rare enhancements needed (1-2%).

As A Mature Adult, Should I Get LASIK? (41-60)

Presbyopia and Monovision

In your 40s, consider how long you’ll get to enjoy LASIK, as age-related conditions can shorten this benefit. For example, presbyopia often begins around this time causing changes to your near vision, which makes it harder to focus on up close objects. While monovision LASIK can treat presbyopia, other age-related conditions like cataracts and glaucoma may need different treatments.

Want to know more about getting LASIK after 40?

Read our full guide here that lays out the pros, cons, candidacy, and alternative options.

At What Age Should I Get LASIK – Choosing the Right Time for You

The answer to, “at what age can you get LASIK” is mostly a personal one that depends on your vision stability, eye health, and lifestyle needs. While LASIK can be performed as early as 18, the best age for LASIK for most people is when their refraction has been stable. To explore whether LASIK is right for you at your current age, book a free LASIK exam with OVO LASIK + LENS to discuss your options and potential outcomes.