Are you the right age for LASIK?

I’m 65, and my grandson is 16. We both want LASIK. Are we the right ages for it?

First, let’s talk about what LASIK is for anybody who doesn’t know. LASIK is a refractive eye surgery in which lasers are used to reshape the cornea and correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. This allows light to focus on the retina properly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

So, should you get LASIK? People’s eyes start changing again as they get older. At the age of 40, many people develop presbyopia and start to need reading glasses. At 60, the risk of cataracts increases. However, if you have healthy eyes, you might still be a candidate for LASIK. Again, this is a conversation you should have with your doctor.

Now, what about your grandson? Well, the FDA has approved it for patients older than the age of 18. This is because younger people might have prescriptions that are still changing. Potential candidates need to show that their prescription has been stable for at least three years. That said, some people under the age of 18 can get LASIK, but only at the discretion of their doctor.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. You can schedule a LASIK appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.