LASIK surgery candidates should focus on vision stability and eye health rather than a specific age, according to an April 9 announcement from the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute. Scott MacRae, MD, a LASIK surgeon at the institute, said that while many believe there is a perfect age for LASIK, the most important factors are stable prescription and overall ocular health.
The timing of LASIK matters because it permanently changes a patient’s prescription. MacRae said most candidates must be at least 18 years old with a stable vision prescription for one to two years before undergoing the procedure. He also noted that patients should not be pregnant at the time of surgery. “The best time to get LASIK surgery is when your vision is stable and when you’re ready,” MacRae said.
A comprehensive eye evaluation is essential for determining eligibility. The evaluation can take up to two hours and measures more than 30 different factors about the eyes, including corneal thickness, shape or topography, tear film quality or dryness, pupil size, and higher-order aberrations. About 20 percent of evaluated patients are found not to be good candidates for LASIK but may have other options available.
MacRae addressed common misconceptions such as being too young or too old for LASIK. He explained that people in good overall health—including those with well-controlled chronic conditions like diabetes or glaucoma—may still qualify if their eyes meet certain criteria. “Eligibility depends more on your individual eye evaluation than age or medical condition alone,” he said.
Lifestyle considerations also play a role in deciding when to have LASIK. People often choose it when starting new careers requiring sharp vision or after becoming frustrated with glasses or contact lenses. Recovery from LASIK is typically rapid—usually within 24 hours—and outcomes are not affected by the time of year.
For more than two decades, Flaum Eye Institute has provided informational seminars and webinars about laser vision correction options.
