IntraLASIK is a blade-free procedure that can improve vision, eliminating or reducing the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery is safe and has a high success rate for improving vision even in older patients. 

At the Peña Eye Institute, Dr. Raul Peña is often asked “am I too old for LASIK?” by Harlingen, TX, patients. The good news is there isn’t an upper age limit on LASIK but there are certain criteria that must be met by candidates of all ages. 

What Is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is a type of surgery performed on the eyes to improve vision caused by refractive errors including astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia). 

LASIK surgery can correct refractive errors by changing the shape of the cornea. During the blade-free LASIK procedure the eyes are numbed, a flap is made and folded back from the top layer of the cornea, and a special laser is then used to reshape the cornea. Once the desired shape is achieved, the flap is placed back over the cornea where it will heal without the need for sutures. 

Patients typically notice an improvement in vision nearly immediately after surgery.

Is There an Age Limit for LASIK?

The only age restriction on LASIK is that candidates must be over 18. LASIK can be performed on patients well over 18 provided that they are in good general health and their vision has been stable for at least one year. 

Vision changes with age and sometimes this leads people to consider LASIK surgery to improve their eyesight. While there is no age limit for who can get LASIK, it is important to understand that age-related vision issues can’t be corrected with LASIK. Some of these age-related conditions include:

• Blurry near vision, or presbyopia, that starts around the age of 40
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

With that said, patients over 60 with astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness can benefit from LASIK surgery and may be eligible candidates. 

Candidates for LASIK

Although there is no upper age limit for undergoing LASIK surgery, Harlingen patients do need to meet certain criteria to be considered as a candidate. Candidates should:

• Have healthy eyes: Candidates for LASIK must have healthy eyes free of disease or other conditions including cataracts and glaucoma.
• No eye injuries or infections: The eyes should be free of injury and infection before undergoing LASIK.
• Be in good general health: In addition to good eye health, candidates must also be in good general health and free of diseases that can affect wound healing such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.  
• Have stable vision: Candidates should have stable vision, meaning their prescription has remained the same, for at least one year before undergoing surgery.
• Stop wearing contact lenses: Candidates for LASIK surgery need to stop wearing contact lenses, usually a few weeks, prior to surgery.

Find Out if You’re a Candidate

For more information about LASIK surgery or to find out if you’re a candidate, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at the Peña Eye Institute in Harlingen.