LASIK Under 20: Eligibility, Considerations, and Alternatives

As young adults, we all want to feel confident, free, and able to do life on-the-go. Sometimes, having to wear glasses or contacts certainly doesn’t make things easy. While we know that Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) has transformed vision correction, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses, we have also learned that for individuals under 20, specific factors must be evaluated to determine suitability for the procedure.

After all, you want to minimize recovery period, ensure safety of the procedure, and successful long-term outcome.

LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an outpatient, typically bladeless and non-invasive, eye surgery procedure developed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism refractive errors.  (FDA, n.d.).

Age Requirements for LASIK

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that patients must be at least 18 years of age to undergo LASIK surgery. This guideline ensures that candidates are of legal age to execute contracts and consents but also have reached an age where their eyes are more likely to have stabilized. While the minimum age requirement is a set rule, having LASIK does consider other factors such as:

• Lifestyle Considerations: Engagement in high-contact sports or physically demanding activities may influence the decision to undergo LASIK.
• Medical History: Autoimmune disorders or certain medications can impact healing and outcomes.
• Occupation Consideration: Individuals who are required to have LASIK due to a specific job or career such as aviation, military, or law enforcement.
• Overall Eye Health: Conditions such as dry eye syndrome or corneal abnormalities can affect eligibility.
• Refractive Stability: Patients should not have had drastic vision changes in the past 12 months.
• Unusual circumstances: Inability to tolerate glasses or contacts.

Alternatives to LASIK for Young Adults

If LASIK isn’t the ideal option for you right now or you have set your mind to find an alternative option to glasses or contacts, then several effective alternatives exist:

• Glasses or Contact Lenses: A non-surgical option providing flexibility and effective vision correction
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): A laser eye surgery alternative to LASIK, though it also requires stable vision and is subject to similar age considerations.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): The use of specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.

Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and we aim to present a balanced view to help you make the best choice for your individual needs.         

Long-Term Considerations for LASIK Under 20

Choosing LASIK is a significant decision, especially for those under 20. Things to consider when making this life-changing decision are:

• Potential need for enhancement procedures
• Impact on future career choices
• Long-term eye health maintenance
• Cost-benefit analysis of early intervention

While there is no “one size fits all approach” when it comes to LASIK and your age, it is still imperative that a comprehensive eye exam is done to determine candidacy and suitability for LASIK. Click here to  schedule a free consultation at Whiting Clinic. Our experienced team will assess your eye health and determine the best vision correction options for you.

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Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Boyd, K, 2024). LASIK — Laser Eye Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Schena, L, 2004). LASIK and Age: Pushing the Limits. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/lasik-age-pushing-limits

U.S Food & Drug Administration. (n.d). What is LASIK? Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-lasik

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions.