LASIK Under 20: What You Need to Know

Can You Get LASIK Under 20?

For young adults dreaming of clear vision without glasses or contacts, LASIK eye surgery offers an appealing, permanent solution. However, for those under 20, the timing of LASIK is crucial to ensure both safety and effectiveness. As regulated by the FDA, LASIK candidates must be at least 18 years old, but reaching this age is just one part of the equation. The FDA’s minimum age guideline considers the ongoing changes in eye development throughout adolescence, which often extend into the early twenties. So, is LASIK under 20 a viable option? Here, we explore the essential considerations.

Why Age Matters in LASIK: The Importance of Maturity in Eye Development

LASIK is designed to be a long-term solution for refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. However, these refractive issues are often in flux during adolescence due to the natural progression of eye development. Typically, vision stabilizes as individuals approach their twenties, which is why ophthalmologists often recommend waiting until this stability is achieved. Performing LASIK on eyes that are still changing can increase the likelihood of regression, where vision returns to its pre-surgery state, diminishing the benefits of the procedure.

Refractive Instability: A Key Consideration

Refractive instability refers to frequent changes in a person’s glasses or contact lens prescription, a common phenomenon in individuals under 20. During adolescence, refractive errors may fluctuate, making it challenging to determine a stable prescription that will hold over time. LASIK requires a consistent prescription for at least a year prior to surgery, as this stability indicates that the eyes have matured enough to support long-term correction.

Instability can affect individuals differently; for some, vision may stabilize in their late teens, while others may experience changes into their early twenties. Waiting for stable vision is crucial to achieving the full benefits of LASIK and reducing the risk of requiring enhancement procedures or additional vision correction in the future.

Beyond Age: Other Factors in LASIK Eligibility

While age and refractive stability are central to LASIK candidacy, several additional factors must be considered to determine if LASIK is appropriate for someone under 20.

1. Vision Stability

Vision stability is a critical factor in assessing LASIK eligibility, especially in younger candidates. A stable prescription over a period of at least 12 months indicates that vision changes have slowed, making LASIK a more viable and lasting solution. Without this stability, the risk of regression post-surgery increases, potentially necessitating additional corrective measures.

2. Overall Eye Health

Comprehensive eye health is vital for anyone considering LASIK. Conditions such as dry eye syndrome, thin or irregular corneas, and other corneal disorders may impact LASIK eligibility. Since some conditions, including keratoconus (a progressive corneal thinning disorder), can develop in adolescence or early adulthood, a thorough eye examination by a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to ensure safe and effective outcomes.

3. Lifestyle Considerations

Active lifestyles, especially in high-contact sports or physically demanding professions, may influence the timing of LASIK. Engaging in activities that put the eyes at risk of injury might require careful planning around LASIK to prevent complications related to corneal healing. For some young adults, alternative refractive procedures may offer safer, more practical options that accommodate their lifestyle needs without compromising eye health.

The Importance of Expert Guidance and FDA Guidelines

Navigating LASIK eligibility requires expert guidance. Consulting with experienced LASIK surgeons familiar with FDA guidelines provides young adults and their families with insights into both the benefits and potential risks of undergoing LASIK under 20. Specialists can assess refractive stability, eye health, and lifestyle factors comprehensively, offering personalized recommendations based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes.

Although LASIK may be available at 18, many surgeons advise waiting until the early twenties when eye maturity is more likely, increasing the chance for successful, long-lasting results. Alternative options, such as contact lenses or temporary refractive corrections, may serve as interim solutions until LASIK becomes a safer, more viable option.

Making an Informed Decision

For those considering LASIK under 20, a thoughtful approach, combined with professional advice, is essential to make an informed decision. Key aspects to discuss with a LASIK specialist include:

• Prescription Stability: Ensuring a stable prescription can significantly impact LASIK outcomes.
• Eye Health Evaluation: A thorough exam can rule out conditions that may contraindicate LASIK.
• Personal and Lifestyle Goals: Each individual’s needs differ, and discussing personal goals can help determine the most suitable timing for LASIK.

With the right guidance and considerations, many young adults can successfully achieve clear, corrective vision. However, aligning with FDA recommendations and taking a cautious, well-informed approach to LASIK under 20 can help ensure the best possible outcomes for lifelong visual health.

Schedule a LASIK Consultation to Learn More

If you are under 20 and interested in LASIK, we encourage you to schedule a free LASIK consultation. Our expert team will guide you through the process, assessing your candidacy and providing insights into the safest, most effective options for vision correction. Every individual’s eye health is unique, and our dedicated professionals are here to support you in making the best choice for your visual needs and lifestyle.

References

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). LASIK surgery: What to expect. FDA.gov.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). LASIK eye surgery. Aao.org.