How Old for Laser Eye Surgery?

‘How old for laser eye surgery?’ is a frequently asked and valid question. This is because age can affect your suitability for laser eye surgery and as a young adult your eyes are still changing. 

Having eye surgery when you are too young can be detrimental, as it can lead to complications with your eyes when you are older. Whereas, when you get older, your suitability for laser eye surgery is mainly determined by the health of your eyes.

How Old You Are Is Not The Only Factor

Whatever your age, your eye surgeon will take many factors into consideration before deciding if you are a good candidate, including your general health, your prescription, eye health, and the shape and thickness of your cornea.

Age 18 to 25

Laser eye surgery is generally not performed on those under the age of 18. This is because during the development years, your eyes are constantly changing, and your vision will adjust to these changes.

Issues such as myopia can continue to develop up until your 20s. It generally takes until around the age of 20 for your vision to have stabilised, therefore most surgeons will recommend waiting until at least the age of 20 before getting laser eye surgery.

Age 25 to 40

So, how old for laser eye surgery? Generally, patients between the ages of 25 and 40 are considered the ideal age for laser eye surgery. There isn’t a fixed upper limit for laser eye surgery, but there are certain considerations that need to be examined in the older population.

Over 40 

Older patients may have age related complications that prevent them from being good candidates. At the age of 40, your vision may begin to change again due to age-related factors.

Over 60

After the age of 60, you’re at higher risk due to cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions cloud the lens of the eye and can damage the optic nerve.

Older people are also at greater risk of macular degeneration, a condition with which the retina deteriorates. However, many people over the age of 60 have relatively healthy eyes, are suitable for laser eye surgery and have had extremely successful results.

Other Considerations

It is not just how old for laser eye surgery because conditions such as diabetes, eye diseases or corneal disease, and certain types of medication need to be considered when deciding if you are a suitable candidate.

If you have medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, there may be complications during the healing stage, after your surgery. This will be taken into consideration, however, this does not mean you definitely won’t be suitable for laser eye surgery.

Every patient’s suitability will be determined individually, based on a variety of factors. This is why it is essential to undergoe an assessment examination after which your surgeon will discuss options and outcomes with you.

We are here to answer all your questions

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us on 01-280 9248.