How old do you have to be to get laser eye surgery?If you’re thinking about having your vision corrected via surgery, but you’re not sure about how old you need to be, we’re here to help. Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. This helps to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism1Influence of patient age on high myopic correction in corneal laser refractive surgery Luger et al., 2013(a condition where the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina). It can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.Common types of laser eye surgery include LASIK, SMILE® Pro, and PRK2 National Eye Institute. “Types of Laser Eye Surgery.” https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/laser-eye-surgery . You can learn more about the differences between SMILE and LASIK here.If you’re considering laser eye surgery the best place to start is to check out our free online suitability test. Alternatively, if you can always call us on 08 7082 2066 at or book an appointment here.So, how old do you have to be to get laser eye surgery?Anyone 18 or older can get laser eye surgery. This age is chosen because by 18, most people’s eyes have stopped changing3LASIK in the Presbyopic Age Group, Ghanem et al., 2007. Some clinicians recommend waiting until your mid-20s to get the surgery, or until you have a stable prescription 4Influence of patient age on high myopic correction in corneal laser refractive surgery Luger et al., 2013 for at least three years.While 18 is the minimum age for laser eye surgery, young adults are still at risk for future vision changes due to factors like ageing or lifestyle. This may require additional treatments later in life.To get started, you need to visit an eye doctor for an evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for the surgery.Is there an age limit to laser eye surgery?While there is no strict upper age limit for laser eye surgery, it is generally recommended for adults up to about 40 years old. Older adults may have age-related eye conditions like cataracts,5LASIK in the Presbyopic Age Group, Ghanem et al., 2007 which can affect the success of laser eye surgery.If you are older than 40, your eye doctor will need to assess your overall eye health to determine if laser eye surgery is still a good option for you.What’s the best age for laser eye surgery?The best age for laser eye surgery is largely between 20 and 40 years old6Effect of age on visual and refractive results after laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) with adjuvant use of mitomycin C, Garcia-Gonzalez et al., 2019. This age range is considered ideal for several reasons:Stable Vision – By the time you reach your early 20s, your vision prescription has likely stabilized. Having a stable prescription for at least a year is crucial for the success of the surgery.Eye Health – Younger adults typically have healthier eyes, which can make them better candidates for the surgery. Conditions like dry eyes, cataracts, or other age-related eye issues are less common in this age group.Recovery – Younger people tend to heal more quickly and may experience a smoother recovery process after the surgery.While the 20 to 40 age range is ideal, people over 40 can also benefit from laser eye surgery; however, they may start to experience presbyopia, an age-related condition that affects the ability to see close objects. While laser eye surgery can correct distance vision, reading glasses might still be needed. For those over 65, additional eye health assessments are necessary to ensure suitability for the procedure.If you’re considering laser eye surgery, the first step is to have a thorough evaluation by an eye doctor. They will check your vision prescription, eye health, and overall suitability for the procedure. This evaluation will also help determine the best timing and type of surgery for your specific needs.What types of vision conditions can be treated by laser eye surgery?Laser eye surgery can treat several common vision problems, including:Nearsightedness (Myopia)– This is when close objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurry. It happens because the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved.Farsightedness (Hyperopia)– This is when distant objects are clear, but close objects are blurry. It occurs because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat.Astigmatism– This is when the cornea is shaped unevenly, causing blurry vision at all distances. It can occur along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.Presbyopia – This is an age-related condition where the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it hard to focus on close objects. While laser eye surgery can’t fully correct presbyopia, it can reduce the dependence on reading glasses for some people.7Femtosecond laser corneal refractive surgery for the correction of high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in juveniles, Zhang & Yu, 2017These conditions are typically corrected by reshaping the cornea8Influence of patient age on high myopic correction in corneal laser refractive surgery Luger et al., 2013 so that light entering the eye can be properly focused onto the retina, improving vision clarity.Who is laser eye surgery appropriate for?Laser eye surgery is suitable for people who have vision problems that glasses or contact lenses can correct, but they want a more permanent solution.9American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Is LASIK Right for You?” https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik-right-for-you Ideal candidates are usually over 18, have healthy eyes, and have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year.10LASIK in the Presbyopic Age Group, Ghanem et al., 2007Who cannot have laser eye surgery?Laser eye surgery is not suitable for everyone. Here are some conditions where it might not be recommended:Severe Dry Eyes: If you have severe dry eyes, laser eye surgery might make the condition worse.Unstable Vision: If your vision prescription has changed a lot in the past year, you might need to wait until it stabilizes.Certain Eye Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus can make laser eye surgery risky or ineffective.Pregnancy or Nursing: Hormonal changes can affect your vision, so it’s best to wait until after pregnancy and nursing to have the surgery.11Excimer laser surgery for correction of ametropia after cataract surgery, Kuo et al., 2005 Very Thin Corneas: If your corneas are too thin, you might not have enough tissue for a safe and effective surgery.Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect healing, making laser eye surgery less suitable.It’s important to have a thorough evaluation by an eye doctor to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.What are the different kinds of laser eye surgery?There are several types of laser eye surgery, each with its own methods and benefits12Influence of patient age on high myopic correction in corneal laser refractive surgery Luger et al., 2013 . Here at IVISION LASER, we offer SMILE® Pro, LASIK, and PRK (SmartsurfACE) – but what’s the difference between these three options?SMILE® ProSMILE® Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer type of laser eye surgery. It involves making a small, keyhole-shaped incision in the cornea and removing a tiny piece of tissue to change the shape of the cornea. This method is less invasive than others, which can mean a quicker recovery time.LASIKLASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular type of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, lifting it, and then using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After the laser has done its job, the flap is put back in place. This helps to correct vision problems effectively and usually has a quick recovery time.SmartsurfACESmartsurfACE also known as TransPRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is another type of laser eye surgery. Instead of creating a flap like in LASIK, PRK removes the very top layer of the cornea before reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser. The top layer grows back naturally over time. PRK has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK but can be a good option for people with thinner corneas13Influence of patient age on high myopic correction in corneal laser refractive surgery Luger et al., 2013; 14Femtosecond laser corneal refractive surgery for the correction of high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in juveniles, Zhang & Yu, 2017.Comparing LASIK, SMILE® Pro, and PRK:AdvantagesDisadvantages LASIKQuick recovery timeEffective for many vision problemsMinimal discomfortNot suitable for people with thin corneasRisk of flap complicationsPRKNo risk of flap complicationsSuitable for people with thin corneasLonger recovery timeMore discomfort during healingSMILE® ProMinimally invasiveQuick recovery timeLess risk of dry eyesNewer technology, less long-term dataNot suitable for all vision problemsHow It WorksLaser eye surgery works by using a laser to remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to change its shape. This helps to focus light correctly onto the retina at the back of the eye, improving vision. During the procedure, the eye is numbed with special eye drops, and the laser reshapes the cornea in just a few minutes.Is laser eye surgery safe?Yes, laser eye surgery is generally very safe. Millions of people have had it done with great success. However, like any surgery, it has some risks, so it’s important to talk to your eye doctor about any concerns you might have.Some complications that may occur include dry eyes; glare, halos or double vision, especially at night; undercorrection or overcorrection; or regression.15Effect of age on visual and refractive results after laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) with adjuvant use of mitomycin C, Garcia-Gonzalez et al., 2019How long does laser eye surgery take?The actual laser eye surgery usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye.16Mayo Clinic. “LASIK Eye Surgery.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 The entire process, including preparation and recovery right after the surgery, can take a couple of hours. Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two.What is the recovery period like?After laser eye surgery, you will need to take some precautions to protect your eyes. You might need to wear an eye shield at night and use special eye drops to prevent infection and dryness. It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to take a break from strenuous activities for a few weeks17Effect of age on visual and refractive results after laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) with adjuvant use of mitomycin C, Garcia-Gonzalez et al., 2019.Will I still need glasses after laser eye surgery?Many people do not need glasses after laser eye surgery, but some might still need them for certain activities like reading or driving at night18American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Life After LASIK.” https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik/life-after. Your vision can improve significantly, but it might not be perfect.Benefits of Laser Eye SurgeryHere are some of the benefits of laser eye surgery:Improved Vision – Many people achieve 20/20 vision or better, meaning they can see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This can enhance daily activities like reading, driving, and sports.Quick Recovery – Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. While the eyes heal, you might experience some mild discomfort, but it typically subsides quickly.Convenience – No more need for glasses or contact lenses. This can save time and money in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about losing or breaking your glasses or dealing with the maintenance of contact lenses.Long-lasting Results – The effects of laser eye surgery are usually permanent, providing a long-term solution to vision problems. Although your eyes can still change over time due to aging, the initial benefits of the surgery often last many years.19LASIK in the Presbyopic Age Group, Ghanem et al., 2007Thinking about getting laser eye surgery?Here at IVISION LASER, we provide top-quality laser eye surgery services. If you are interested in improving your vision, you can book an appointment with us here, or by calling us at 08 7082 2066.Who are IVISION LASER?IVISION LASER is a provider of comprehensive eye care services in Australia, specialising in laser eye surgery and vision correction procedures. Our team of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal vision and eye health.We believe in empowering our patients through education, ensuring they have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their eye health. We strive to deliver the highest standard of care, tailored to each individual’s needs.Whether you’re considering laser eye surgery, seeking treatment for an eye condition, or simply due for a routine eye exam, IVISION LASER is here to provide compassionate care every step of the way.Why choose IVISION LASER for your laser eye surgery?Choosing the right clinic for your laser eye surgery is a crucial decision, and at IVISION LASER, we strive to provide the highest quality of care and expertise to our patients. Our team specialises in laser eye surgery and vision correction procedures, ensuring safe and effective results.From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we offer personalised support, answering your questions and providing guidance every step of the way. Book a consultation today.