Laser Eye Surgery: Age Requirements and Recovery Insights

What are the requirements for laser surgery for myopia?

Is it necessary to be at least 20 years old to undergo laser eye surgery for myopia? I am only a few months shy of turning 20.
What evaluations are needed for the procedure? My prescription is -6.00 in the left eye and -6.50 in the right eye, with astigmatism of -2.00 in both eyes.
If I am eligible for the surgery, will it take about three months to return to normal activities? After the surgery, is it true that I should not rub my eyes, and can I engage in activities like kickboxing after three months? Will my eyes become weaker or unstable after the laser procedure, potentially leading to a deeper prescription?

Brook, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/10

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the age requirement for myopia surgery is that patients must be at least 18 years old with stable refractive error.
It is not mandatory to be 20 years old; however, being 20 years old generally indicates that physical and mental development is complete, making it less likely for myopia to worsen.
If the refractive error continues to increase, surgery is not recommended.

Preoperative assessments include:
- Non-contact tonometry for intraocular pressure measurement
- Automated refraction testing
- Best-corrected visual acuity measurement
- Nighttime pupil size measurement
- Corneal curvature measurement
- Ultrasound pachymetry
- High-order aberration corneal topography analysis
- Fundus examination after dilation
- Automated refraction testing after dilation
- Slit-lamp examination
- Tear film break-up time assessment
- Preoperative professional consultation
- Wavefront aberration analysis
If you are deemed suitable for laser surgery after evaluation, a surgery date can be scheduled.
For those who wear contact lenses, they must be removed prior to surgery (soft lenses for 2-3 days, hard lenses for over 2 weeks).
The physician will conduct a thorough examination of your best-corrected visual acuity and retinal condition before the procedure.

It is important to note that complications associated with high myopia (such as retinal degeneration or detachment) primarily occur in the posterior segment of the eye, while laser correction surgery addresses the anterior segment, specifically the cornea.
Therefore, even after corrective treatment, you should not overlook the risk of being in a high myopia complication group and should have regular retinal examinations.
Three months post-surgery, the refractive error and healing of the corneal flap will reach a more stable state.
However, engaging in activities such as sparring can be risky; if necessary, protective eyewear should be worn, as external forces can easily displace the corneal flap after laser surgery.
Medical literature has reported incidents of corneal flap displacement years after surgery due to external trauma.
If you must participate in activities like sparring, LASIK may not be necessary; PRK or LASEK could be alternatives, so please discuss the best option with your surgeon.
If your refractive error was stable prior to surgery and you maintain good eye care habits afterward, it is less likely for your refractive error to worsen.

Consider the advantages of LASIK: quick recovery, with the ability to return to normal work the next day, and high stability of refractive error.
Disadvantages include the risk of corneal flap displacement during the healing period of 2 weeks to 1 month if the eyes are rubbed accidentally.
This procedure is not suitable for individuals with thin corneas.
Postoperatively, there may be a decrease in tear secretion for the first 3 to 6 months.
LASEK advantages include suitability for those with thin corneas who cannot undergo LASIK.
The surgical scars are less visible as the corneal epithelium heals.
There is also a lower incidence of temporary decreased tear secretion post-surgery.
Disadvantages include a longer recovery period, with pain and light sensitivity for 3 to 4 days post-surgery, and vision improvement starting about a week later.
Therefore, at least 3 to 4 days of leave is necessary after surgery.
For the first three months post-surgery, it is crucial to use eye drops diligently to prevent regression of refractive error and corneal haze.

Reply Date: 2009/05/10

More Info

When considering laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK, there are several important factors to keep in mind, especially regarding age requirements, recovery, and post-operative care.
Firstly, regarding the age requirement for LASIK, most eye care professionals recommend that candidates be at least 18 years old. This is primarily because the eyes, particularly the cornea, continue to develop and change during the teenage years. By the age of 20, most individuals have reached a more stable vision, making them better candidates for the procedure. However, if you are just a few months shy of 20, your eye doctor may still evaluate your suitability for surgery based on the stability of your prescription and overall eye health.
In your case, with a prescription of -6.00 diopters in your left eye and -6.50 in your right, along with astigmatism of 2.00 diopters in both eyes, it is crucial to have a thorough pre-operative assessment. This assessment will include a comprehensive eye exam to determine the health of your cornea, the thickness of your cornea, and the overall condition of your eyes. If your prescription has been stable for at least a year, you may be a suitable candidate for LASIK.

Recovery after LASIK typically involves a few key phases. Most patients experience a significant improvement in vision within the first 24 hours, but complete stabilization of vision can take several weeks to a few months. During this time, it is essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions carefully. Generally, you should avoid rubbing your eyes for at least a few weeks after the surgery, as this can displace the corneal flap created during the procedure.
As for engaging in physical activities such as sparring in martial arts, it is advisable to wait at least three months post-surgery before participating in contact sports. This waiting period allows your eyes to heal adequately and reduces the risk of injury. After this period, you should consult with your eye doctor to ensure that your eyes have healed properly and that it is safe to resume such activities.

One common concern among LASIK patients is whether the procedure will make their eyes weaker or lead to further vision deterioration. While LASIK is designed to correct refractive errors, it does not prevent age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, which typically begins in the early to mid-40s. Additionally, some patients may experience changes in their vision over time due to natural aging processes or other eye conditions. However, LASIK itself does not inherently weaken the eyes; rather, it reshapes the cornea to improve focus.

In summary, while age is an important factor in determining candidacy for LASIK, the stability of your prescription and overall eye health are critical considerations. Recovery involves careful adherence to post-operative instructions, including avoiding eye rubbing and waiting to resume contact sports. Lastly, while LASIK can significantly improve vision, it does not prevent future vision changes due to aging or other factors. Always consult with your eye care professional for personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific circumstances.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Laser Surgery for Myopia: Risks, Options, and Costs

Hello Doctor: I have approximately -1100 diopters of myopia and am considering laser surgery. However, I have heard that one can only undergo the procedure once in a lifetime. If I develop cataracts or glaucoma as I age, will I be unable to have further treatment? Which places in...

Dr. Cai Jingyao reply Ophthalmology
After undergoing laser surgery for myopia, if necessary, patients may still undergo cataract or glaucoma surgery. However, compared to eyes that have not undergone surgery, a more thorough preoperative evaluation is required. It is less appropriate to make recommendations on a ca...

Understanding Hyperopia and Amblyopia: Risks and Laser Surgery Options

Dear Doctor, I have a question regarding hyperopia (farsightedness) and amblyopia (lazy eye). When I was younger, I was advised to patch my eye to restore binocular vision, but I found it uncomfortable and did not comply, which has led to my current need for glasses. I have bee...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello A-Ren: The military service standards are based on corrected vision. According to the current standards, your vision in one eye does not reach 0.6, so you are classified as fit for alternative service. However, you will need to wait for the upcoming military physical examin...

Success Rates of Myopia Correction: Is It Suitable for Middle School Students?

What is the success rate of myopia correction, and is it suitable for middle school students?

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Explanation: Laser surgery for myopia can only be performed when a person is at least 20 years old and their prescription has stabilized. It is not recommended to attempt correction with contact lenses in other cases.

Understanding Eye Issues: Laser Surgery Prospects and Hallucinations in Seniors

1. I am 31 years old and have myopia of -800 diopters. I have always wanted to undergo laser eye surgery, but unexpectedly, in August of last year, I experienced abnormalities in my eyes and was diagnosed with macular hemorrhage (with neovascularization). After more than six mont...

Dr. Wang Ziyang reply Ophthalmology
1. Your macular hemorrhage is caused by myopia-related retinal degeneration, and the principle of myopic laser surgery is to reshape the cornea by removing corneal thickness to achieve the desired curvature, which are unrelated. If the surgeon assesses that the procedure is feasi...