Posted by: Caster Eye Center in LASIK candidates

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LASIK is an innovative treatment for correcting vision problems. Patients seek this bladeless surgery method for help with conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK vision correction works by using cold lasers to change the way your eyes refract light. A laser-assisted process bends and shapes your cornea to instantly strengthen your vision. After a successful LASIK procedure, you will be able to put your glasses and contact lenses away for good. This can be especially comforting for young people who are tired of wearing glasses or who feel embarrassed about the way they look. Unfortunately, LASIK is not for all ages. Read on to learn how old you should be for LASIK.

Who Needs LASIK Vision Correction?

Though LASIK is a well-known procedure, it is not immediately obvious to whom it is best suited. Anyone struggling with poor vision may consider the procedure, but bad eyesight is not the only requirement for candidacy. Other circumstances that will affect your LASIK candidacy include: 

Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism

Laser vision correction does not touch the deeper layers of your eye. Working entirely on the surface of your cornea, LASIK uses lasers to change your refraction. Only conditions that are affected by the shape and refraction of your cornea can be treated by LASIK. 

Poor Vision but Otherwise Healthy Eyes

LASIK aims to treat vision by guiding laser light to different areas of the cornea. If you have additional vision conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or refractive errors unrelated to eyesight, you might not be an eligible candidate. 

At Least 18 Years of Age, With 20 Preferred

Some circumstances would allow an 18 or 19-year-old patient to receive LASIK treatment. For the most part, though, you must be at least 20 years old. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approves LASIK treatment for adults over the age of 18. 

You will be fully awake during the procedure itself. A mild sedative will help you stay calm, though your eyes will need to remain open throughout the treatment. The average LASIK procedure is incredibly fast and takes only about ten minutes on each eye. 

How Old Should You Be for LASIK?

Many young people talk about getting laser eye treatment to solve their eyesight issues. They might feel embarrassed about their glasses or have trouble putting in contact lenses. Unfortunately, most teenagers are not eligible for LASIK eye surgery because the age limit is typically 20.

You have to be a certain age for LASIK because your eyes can continue to change into early adulthood. Many people with vision problems at age 17 develop better eyesight in their early 20s. Since changes take place inside the eye past the legal age of adulthood in the United States, Dr. Caster would not recommend this surgical intervention before your vision stops changing. 

Can Young Adults Get LASIK?

In almost every case, the doctor will not perform LASIK on a patient younger than 20 years old. There have been some rare instances where patients have received successful LASIK at the age of 19, but that is not the norm. For the laser-assisted process to be successful, it has to have a stable and consistent point to start on. LASIK works on the foundation of your eye to bring small but effective changes in an instant. You can go home just minutes after the procedure is complete so you can start enjoying these changes right away. 

Learn More About LASIK

Caster Eye Center is your premier resource for learning about LASIK treatment. Find out the best ways to treat your vision problems regardless of your age. In addition to our innovative LASIK options, we also offer alternative vision treatments that will improve your eyesight steadily. Contact us today to start your journey towards better eye health.