How old does one have to be to get laser treatment for nearsightedness?

V.P.

Laser vision correction is a procedure that alters the curve of the eye's cornea to reduce myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The two most popular methods of laser vision correction are called PRK and LASIK. Both have been shown to be safe and effective at reducing or eliminating the need for contact lenses or glasses.

Before discussing the age at which laser vision correction may be performed, we must first consider the natural history of nearsightedness (myopia). Myopic individuals are born with longer-than-normal eyes, a situation that leads to blurred vision by causing images to be focused in front of the retina. During childhood and early teenage years, the eye continues to elongate, resulting in an increased level of myopia. For most people, the amount of myopia will begin to stabilize by age 17 or 18. However, a small percentage of people will note a further worsening of myopia during their 20s.

Therefore, most surgeons will not perform LASIK on patients until they turn 18 and have had stable vision for at least one year. Even with those precautions, some 18-year-olds who undergo PRK or LASIK may re-develop a mild amount of myopia if their eyes continue to elongate during their 20s. In this situation, LASIK or PRK can be repeated if needed.