U Education

Whether you travel frequently, play sports, or are simply tired of wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, LASIK eye surgery can help you. Although the procedure is an excellent option for people with poor eyesight, it is not right for everybody. It helps to learn whether you are an ideal candidate for this laser eye treatment, know when the best time to get LASIK is, and what things to consider before the surgery. This will help you decide whether you are fit for the procedure. Read on to find out more about this procedure so you can make an informed choice.

What is the Right Age to Undergo LASIK Surgery?

It helps to know that there is no specific age for this refractive laser eye treatment. However, most eye surgeons will not recommend LASIK if you are under the age of 18 years. This is because your vision tends to change into early adulthood, and your prescription stabilizes during your mid-20s. The average age range for undergoing LASIK eye surgery is 20 to 40 years to ensure the desired result.

Here’s a break down of LASIK eye surgery by age:

18 to 24 Years

Even though the approved age for this laser eye surgery is 18 years and over, it may be best to wait a few more years until you have a stable prescription. Our eyesight typically continues to change until the age of 24 or 25 years. However, a surgeon may make an exception in the case of professional athletes, military personnel, or law enforcement, and give special consideration if required.

25 to 40 Years

Generally, most eye surgeons agree on 25 to 40 years as the ideal age range for LASIK eye surgery. A stable prescription is a requirement for this surgery. By the age of 25, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions for most people are stabilized, making them a good candidate for the procedure.

40 to 55 Years

Even if you had perfect vision for most of your life, it is likely that you may need a pair of glasses to improve your eyesight after you turn 40. Although 25 to 40 years is the ideal age range, you may be a suitable candidate for LASIK eye surgery after the age of 40. You surgeon will consider the following to determine your candidacy for the laser eye treatment:

• They will check your overall health condition.
• They will ask about your medical history and look into any serious medical problems you may have had previously.
• You should be a non-smoker.
• In addition to this, your eye surgeon will discuss your family history of diabetes, glaucoma, corneal disorders, and other conditions.

56 and Above

There is no specific upper limit to prevent older adults from undergoing LASIK surgery, but you need to consider some crucial factors to ensure you are the right candidate. According to reputable eye surgeons, cataract patients are ineligible for this laser eye treatment until the condition is treated. Thus, if you have developed cataracts, it becomes the priority for treatment. Moreover, if you are over the age of 60 and have a good medical history, you may still be considered fit for LASIK. They will discuss the procedure with you, ask about your previous medical conditions and any medications you are taking, and recommend the best course of action accordingly to improve your eyesight.

Is LASIK Surgery Right for You?

If you have farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be a suitable candidate for LASIK laser eye treatment. However, it is essential to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be in good overall health
• Should not have any existing eye conditions
• Shouldn’t be suffering from any health issues, especially ailments that may affect the eyes
• Have a stable vision prescription for at least the past one year

In addition to this, be sure to keep the following in mind for LASIK eye surgery:

• If you are nursing or pregnant, it is not advisable to consider the LASIK procedure because your refractive error may waver.
• LASIK does not help treat the age-related vision problem, commonly known as presbyopia.

How Can LASIK Eye Surgery Help You?

LASIK is the most advanced and best-known laser eye surgery that can help treat the following optical issues:

Myopia or Nearsightedness

It is a condition in which you cannot see distant objects accurately. When the cornea curves too sharply or your eyeball is slightly longer than usual, the objects that are far away become blurry.

Hyperopia or Farsightedness

When you have hyperopia, although you can see far objects clearly, nearby objects become blurry. This happens when the cornea is too flat or shorter than an average eyeball, making your vision unclear.

Astigmatism

This condition causes overall blurry vision. When the cornea flattens or curves unevenly, it can disrupt the focus of both distant and near vision.

LASIK is an outpatient surgery that typically takes around 5 to 15 minutes. Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye. They will use anesthesia to numb the eye, so you do not feel any pain during the treatment. You may experience minor discomfort post-surgery. It is recommended to rest for at least 2 hours after the procedure. Patients often notice the results of LASIK eye surgery immediately with better vision that improves as their eyes heal.

Get Better Vision with Our LASIK Eye Surgery

UELC has advanced laser eye clinics in Vaughan, Brampton, and Toronto. We use state-of-the-art technology and safe procedures to treat our patients. Our qualified team of professional surgeons includes Dr. Sohel Somani and Dr. Eric Tam, who have extensive experience when it comes to optical health. Our specialists will work to understand your needs and recommend the most suitable form of eye treatment to improve your vision. If you have any questions about our LASIK eye surgery in Vaughan, Toronto, or Brampton, call us at 416-653-8352 to speak with one of our experts. You could also fill out our online form to book a complimentary consultation with our surgeons.