A 40-year-old member asked:
How old should you be before you have eye surgery (to correct your eye sight)?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Bustosanswered
Ophthalmology 19 years experience
At least 18: For the most part, 18 years old is the youngest that most refractive surgeons will operate on a patient. That is because prior to that a patient's eyes will reliably and consistently change refractive errors. Even then, though, it is wise to make sure that the refractive error is not changing regularly before doing so. That being said, for special circumstances, it can and is done before age 18.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Shatzanswered
Ophthalmology 27 years experience
18 or older: Laser vision correction (lasik) is the most common surgery to correct vision. It is approved by the fda for treatment on those who are 18 or over. The reasoning behind this cutoff is that the eye's shape and therefore prescription continue to change until one is about 18. For this reason age and prescription stability are both important prior to having lasik.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 24-year-old male asked:
How to correct eye sight?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Bensingeranswered
Ophthalmology 53 years experience
Evaluation: While the most common cause of less than perfect sight is a need for eyeglasses, there are a variety of diseases that can affect vision including diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, etc. You should see your ophthalmologist to determine the category into which you fall and the corrective needs.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
How old must you be before you can have an eye surgery?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. George Yanganswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
Any age: There are no age-requirements for surgery. Kids and babies routinely have eye surgery if you need it, you need it.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 24, 2015
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