What Age Is Best for LASIK? Understanding Candidacy Requirements

If you’ve been considering LASIK to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, one of the first questions that may come to mind is: What is the best age for LASIK? While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for many people, candidacy depends on more than just age. Understanding when LASIK is most appropriate and what factors your optometrist evaluates can help you make an informed decision.

Ideal Age Range for LASIK

LASIK is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older, but most eye doctors recommend waiting until your mid-20s. This is because your vision should be stable for at least one to two years before undergoing laser vision correction. Most ideal LASIK candidates are between 20 and 40 years old, as prescriptions have typically stabilized and the eyes are generally healthy.

Why Age Matters

Your prescription naturally changes while you’re a teenager and may continue shifting into your early 20s. Getting LASIK too soon can increase the likelihood of needing an enhancement if your vision changes afterward.

On the other hand, after age 40, many people begin experiencing presbyopia, a natural age-related change that affects close-up vision. LASIK can still be an option, but your treatment plan may need to account for these changes or incorporate monovision correction.

Beyond Age: Other LASIK Candidacy Requirements

Your eye doctor in New Braunfels, TX will evaluate several factors beyond your age to determine if LASIK is right for you:

• Stable vision for at least 12-24 months

• Healthy corneas with sufficient thickness

• No active eye disease, such as dry eye, keratoconus, or uncontrolled allergies

• Good overall health, with conditions like autoimmune diseases taken into consideration

• Realistic expectations about results and recovery

If LASIK isn’t the best option, other refractive procedures may still be suitable.

What to Expect During Your LASIK Co-Management Visit

Texas State Optical New Braunfels offers comprehensive LASIK co-management in New Braunfels, including:

• A detailed assessment to determine candidacy

• Pre-operative measurements and testing

• Coordination with a trusted LASIK surgeon

• Post-operative care and follow-ups to ensure smooth healing

Our goal is to provide seamless, supportive care from start to finish.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today

There’s no single “perfect age” for LASIK, but most successful candidates are adults with stable prescriptions - typically beginning in their mid-20s. The best way to know if LASIK is right for you is through a thorough evaluation with an experienced optometrist.

Schedule a comprehensive LASIK evaluation at Texas State Optical New Braunfels to discover the most effective vision correction option for your eyes. Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (830) 201-3237 to book an appointment today.