As with many medical procedures, the best age for laser eye surgery depends on several factors, including your overall health, the stability of your prescription, and the type of laser eye surgery you are considering. 

In general, most people who are at least 18 years old and have a stable prescription are good candidates for laser eye surgery. However, some people may not be suitable candidates due to certain health conditions or other factors. It is important to discuss your specific situation with an eye doctor or a laser eye surgery specialist to determine the best course of action for you.

What factors impact the best age to get laser eye surgery?

There are a few key factors that can impact the age at which you can get laser eye surgery, including:

1. The stability of your prescription: Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should be stable for at least a year before considering laser eye surgery. This means that your prescription has not changed significantly during that time.
2.  Your overall health: Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections, can increase the risk of complications from laser eye surgery. It’s vital to discuss your overall health with an eye doctor or laser eye surgery specialist to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
3. The type of laser eye surgery: Different types of laser eye surgery have different age restrictions. For example, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is typically not recommended for people under the age of 18 because the cornea may not be fully developed. 

Meanwhile, other types of laser eye surgery, such as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis), may be suitable for people of all ages, depending on their specific circumstances.

It is crucial to discuss these factors with an eye doctor or laser eye surgery specialist to determine the best age for you to consider laser eye surgery. An expert will be able to carry out essential tests to check that laser eye surgery is a good option for you.

Pregnancy and laser eye surgery

If you are considering laser eye surgery and are planning to become pregnant in the future, it is generally recommended to wait until after you have had children to undergo the procedure. This is because pregnancy can potentially affect the stability of your vision, and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in the shape of the cornea, which may impact the accuracy of the laser eye surgery treatment. 

Again, it’s essential to discuss your specific situation with an eye doctor or a laser eye surgery specialist to determine the best course of action for you. They will be able to assess your overall health and the stability of your prescription and recommend the best timing for laser eye surgery based on your individual circumstances.

Find the best deals on laser eye surgery

Ultimately, the best age to get laser eye surgery depends on your unique circumstances. As a result, it’s best to arrange a consultation with an eye specialist to discuss the ideal timing for your procedure. 

If you’re ready to speak to an optometrist, take a look at laser eye surgery experts near you. At SpotDif, we browse laser eye surgery deals in your local area to ensure you get expert support at the best price possible.