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There are different issues for the very young, young, middle
age, and advanced age that must be considered before having conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, RLE, P-IOLs or other refractive surgery procedure.
Pediatric Lasik
The FDA approved the excimer
laser for patients over the age of 18, however it is possible
for someone under 18 to have surgery. This would be an off-label use of the medical device and would be legal if a
doctor determined Lasik would be appropriate. Pediatric Lasik has
been used only in extreme cases where vision is threatened by ambylopia or other serious sight threatening circumstances because
of severe refractive error. Do not expect a doctor to wave this
age requirement easily.
Young Age
Although 18 is the minimum age for most situations, the chronological
age is not really the important point. In all cases, the eyes must
be stable. No matter how old you are, your prescription needs to
have been without change for at least two years. The most popular
technique for this age is Lasik, with the laser eye surgery techniques
of PRK, LASEK and Epi-Lasik considered for specific circumstances. If the patient
has very high refractive error or very thin corneas, a phakic intraocular lens lens (P-IOL) may be appropriate.
Middle Age
As we approach age 40, the natural lens of the eye has greater
difficulty changing focus. This is called presbyopia. It is possible that someone in their late 30's and
early 40's is able to see close (reading) and far (horizon) but
could lose this ability after refractive surgery because of a phenomon called Sudden Presbyopia. There is no predictable, safe, and reliable
surgical method to correct presbyopia, however some people find
acceptable workaround techniques including monovision. Monovision can be induced with contact lenses, Lasik,
Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, or Epi-Lasik.
Advanced Age
As we get closer to our 60's it is possible cataracts will become a concern. If cataracts need to be removed,
then cornea based refractive surgery like Lasik, Bladeless
Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik may be unnecessar; Cataract
surgery can take care of most refractive error. In fact, some people
elect to have cataract surgery for purely refractive purposes. This
is called Refreactive Lens Exchange (RLE).
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
Personalized Answers
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