The Best Age for the Lasting Results of LASIK

Freedom from corrective lenses is a pretty great thing. Especially during the sweaty summer months. And during the cold fog-up-your-lenses-when-you-step-inside months. Of course it also comes in handy when you travel, attend a big family event, and for your weekly workouts at the gym.

In other words, there isn’t a situation when freedom from corrective lenses isn’t pretty great.

If you’ve been thinking about LASIK or another refractive procedure, don’t wait too long. Patients considering the popular surgery need to be at least 18 years old. While technically there’s no upper LASIK age limit, patients over 40 should only pursue this procedure if they aren’t already experiencing presbyopia or cataracts as it isn’t possible for LASIK to fix aging eyes. The procedure can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

How long does LASIK last? Since it’s a permanent procedure, it cannot be reversed. Other changes to your eye such as presbyopia or cataracts can and often do occur, leading patients to wonder if they need to repeat LASIK surgery after 10 or 20 years. Presbyopia, cataracts, and other changes are natural and need to be addressed with care specific to those conditions.

For those who aren’t experiencing presbyopia or cataracts and who aren’t benefiting from clear vision, it is possible for LASIK to be done twice; however, it’s extremely rare. At Vance Thompson Vision, we refer to this as a “fine-tune” because overall, patients who’ve had LASIK do experience vastly improved vision, we sometimes need to address a small amount of residual refractive error left after LASIK. In these rare cases, your primary optometrist will refer you back to your doctor at Vance Thompson Vision where, together, you can determine the best next steps.

At Vance Thompson Vision, we’re dedicated to using the world’s most advanced technology in combination with our vast experience to help you see and enjoy life more clearly. To set up an appointment or to ask questions, please contact us today.