2.7 min readPublished On: April 1, 2024

Exploring LASIK Age Requirements & Vision Solutions: Ocala Eye’s Guide

Are you bothered by bright circles around lights, or glares that affect your vision? In many cases this is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Glare is light that enters your eye and impedes your vision, like when a camera flash goes off.

Seeing bright circles or rings around a light source, like headlights, are known as halos. Halos around lights are most noticeable at night or when you’re in dim or dark areas.

Halos As we navigate through the landscape of vision correction surgeries, it’s essential to understand that not all procedures are suitable for every stage of life. While LASIK has become synonymous with clear, glasses-free vision for many, it’s crucial to recognize that age plays a significant role in determining candidacy.

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely performed refractive surgery designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, ideal candidates for LASIK typically fall within a specific age range, primarily due to the stability of their vision.

In general, individuals aged 18 and above are considered potential candidates for LASIK, provided they meet certain criteria such as stable vision prescription and overall eye health. This age range coincides with the period when most individuals’ vision stabilizes, minimizing the risk of regression post-surgery.

However, as individuals progress through different stages of life, their ocular health and vision needs may evolve. Patients often express interest in LASIK but may discover that their age places them outside the ideal candidacy range. Here’s a breakdown of age-related considerations and alternative surgeries that may be more suitable:

Young Adults (18-45):

LASIK is a viable option for many young adults who have stable vision. However, it’s essential to ensure that their prescription has stabilized before proceeding with surgery.

Middle-Aged Adults (45-60):

While LASIK remains an option for some within this age group, presbyopia—a natural age-related decline in near vision—may start to become a concern.

Alternative: Refractive lens exchange (RLE) can address both refractive errors and presbyopia by replacing the eye’s natural lens with a multifocal or accommodating IOL. This option can provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing dependence on glasses or
contact lenses.

Older Adults (60 and above):

LASIK likely will not be suitable for most individuals in this age group due to increased risk factors such
as cataracts or other age-related eye conditions.

Alternative: Cataract surgery presents an opportunity to not only remove cataracts but also correct refractive errors simultaneously. Advanced intraocular lenses (IOL), including multifocal or toric lenses, can address both cataracts and refractive issues, offering improved vision without the need for glasses.

If you’re considering vision correction surgery or have questions about your eligibility, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options. Remember, age may influence candidacy for certain procedures, but there’s a solution available for almost every vision challenge.

Ocala Eye | ocalaeye.com | 352.622.5183

Ocala Eye is the largest, most experienced eye care practice in North Central Florida. Since Ocala Eye was founded in 1971, more people from The Villages, Marion and surrounding counties trust their eyes to our ophthalmologists than any other eye care group.We are a patient-centered practice, with all of the decisions made based on the patient’s benefit and well-being.