Are you tired of wearing corrective lenses? If you are, LASIK surgery may be a good option for you. However, you need to understand that not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. If you are considering undergoing this eye procedure, you need to determine whether it is right for you and the right time to have it.

 

What Does LASIK Surgery Involve?

This type of eye surgical procedure has a good track record and complications are rare. Most people achieve perfect vision following the procedure. However, you may experience certain side effects, such as temporary vision disturbance and dry eyes, which usually clear up within a few weeks.

 

LASIK is one of the most popular laser refractive surgeries. With vision problems such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness, images do not focus on the retina. This results in blurred vision.

 

Before LASIK surgery, eye doctors assess detailed measurements of their patients’ eyes. They then use a special cutting laser to change the curvature of the cornea. Each laser beam pulse removed a tiny amount of corneal tissue. This allows the surgeon to flatten or steepen the curve of the patient’s cornea.

 

During LASIK, the eye surgeon uses a specialized cutting laser to precisely change the shape of the cornea to improve vision. Contact lenses and glasses can correct vision. However, reshaping the cornea also provides the necessary refraction.

 

Is There an Age Limit for LASIK Surgery?

According to the FDA, you need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify for LASIK. This procedure is safe for adults of all ages. Generally, however, the average age of patients who undergo this procedure is between 20 and 40 years.

 

No specific age is too old for LASIK surgery. However, older patients need to explore certain recommendations and considerations. It is also important that your eyes are stable and healthy, in addition to meeting other conditions to ensure you are a good candidate for this type of eye surgery.

 

How Old Must You Be?

The FDA does not approve this form of corrective refractive eye surgery for those under the age of 18 years, except in very rare cases. In a case where one of a kid’s eyes is extremely nearsighted, the FDA may approve LASIK surgery. The procedure only requires that a patient lived around one year with not more than half a diopter of vision change. Most adults meet this requirement.

 

Recommended Age Range for LASIK Surgery

Refractive errors continue evolving up through the late teen years. By the time you are 20 years of age, your eyes should stabilize; however, they may change again when you are about 40 years of age. This is why the typically recommended age range, according to most experts, is between ages 20 and 40. However, many people aged above 40 can still benefit from LASIK. The procedure will eliminate or reduce their dependence on corrective eyewear.


 

To determine the best time to undergo LASIK surgery or to schedule an appointment in our Sacramento or Lincoln, California locations, call Sacramento Eye Consultants at (916) 915-0300.