How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
People who want less need for corrective lenses can choose laser eye surgery to improve their vision. LASIK is the most well-known and widely used type of laser eye surgery. However, LASIK is not ideal for everyone. Good candidates should meet age and other criteria to benefit from this procedure safely.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It uses lasers to correct vision errors by reshaping your corneas. The corneas, dome-shaped structures at the front of the eye, help focus light at the correct angle as it enters the eye. You will see blurry images if the light does not focus on the retina. LASIK corrects the shape of the cornea to give you sharper, clearer vision. Lasik is one of several types of laser eye surgery.
*Individual Results May Vary
How Does LASIK Work?
Your surgeon applies numbing drops to your eyes before LASIK, ensuring you will not feel discomfort. During LASIK, your surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a flap in the cornea’s epithelium (outer layer). This flap allows the surgeon to use an excimer laser to remove microscopic layers of the cornea. This computer-guided process precisely sculpts your cornea so it focuses light on the retina.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
While LASIK is an excellent choice for many people, it is not right for everyone. Health Canada has approved LASIK for individuals who are 18 or older. People younger than 18 are not approved for LASIK or other types of laser eye surgery. If you are under 18 and interested in LASIK, we recommend learning more about it so you feel confident in your decision.
Other criteria that help decide whether you are a good candidate for LASIK include:
- The strength and stability of your prescription
- The health of your eyes
- The thickness of your cornea
- Your expectations and goals
You may not be a good candidate for LASIK if you have an eye infection, your prescription is too strong, or you have a history of dry eye problems. If you have thin or misshapen corneas, your surgeon may recommend a different type of laser eye surgery.
Request a Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
What is Recovery Like After LASIK?
The flap created during LASIK heals rapidly. Most people can see clearly and return to work within two or three days. Burning, sensitivity, and irritation may occur for a few days. We will provide eye drops to control irritation and help your eyes heal. Your vision may continue to stabilize for several weeks as your eyes adjust to the results.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about LASIK, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (780) 452-4111. We look forward to helping you!
