LASIK

At Corsini Laser Eye Center, we know that determining the “best age to get LASIK” is a personal decision for our Philadelphia-area patients. Your vision is a precious gift, and whether you’re tired of glasses and contacts or long for the freedom of unfettered sight, the timing of your LASIK procedure can impact your results and the satisfaction of your LASIK experience. As a premier laser eye clinic, we’re committed to providing the personalized guidance you need to choose the right time for your LASIK journey.

What Is The Best Age to Get LASIK

When to Get LASIK? Age Requirements and Optimal Candidacy

While there is no universal “best age” to get LASIK eye surgery, the most popular age range for patients seeking laser vision correction is between 25 and 40. Patients in this range generally have stable prescriptions and do not yet require reading glasses. However, Dr. Corsini has personally performed LASIK on patients between 18 and 80+ years of age. The FDA minimum age requirement for LASIK is 18 years, although some pediatric patients may receive “off-label” laser eye surgery in exceptional circumstances. Regardless of age, all patients should pass the candidacy criteria.

*Key takeaway: Candidacy can extend beyond recommended chronological guidelines, as every patient is unique, and optimal timing depends on individual health factors.

Key Age-Related Considerations for LASIK Candidates

  • The FDA minimum age requirement is 18+ for those with stable vision.
  • Your vision must be stable for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Your prescription changes should have minimal variations. 
  • Your corneal development must be complete (it happens by your late teens). 
  • Cataract surgery may be a more apt vision correction option if you have a visually significant cataract. However, LASIK is often used to correct residual refractive error after cataract surgery.

The Prime Years for LASIK Are 25-40.

This age range is viewed as the best age to get LASIK eye surgery for various reasons: 

  1. Your eyesight should have stabilized by age 25, giving you consistent vision prescriptions with minor changes; this increases your likelihood of excellent and lasting results.
  2. As a young adult, you may heal and recover more quickly.
  3. Getting LASIK at this age lets you enjoy clear vision for years before age-related eye conditions develop. 
  1. Investing in LASIK at a younger age allows more lifetime savings over the cost of contacts and glasses. (Use our LASIK Savings Calculator to calculate your potential lifetime savings).

40s and Beyond: Unique Considerations

While there is no strict upper age limit, individuals in their 40s and beyond should consider certain factors when deciding when to get LASIK:

  1. Presbyopia, an age-related near vision condition, usually emerges in the early to mid-40s. While LASIK can correct your distance vision, it does not prevent or stop presbyopia progression, and most patients will still need reading glasses after surgery. 
  1. The likelihood of experiencing dry eyes can increase in your 40s. Since LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms, patients in their 40s and beyond may require extra dry eye therapies after LASIK.
  2. You may take slightly more time to heal from any surgery, LASIK included, in your 40s compared to your 20s.
  1. For senior patients, certain medications may interfere with your LASIK candidacy or affect your healing.

Depending on your eye health and vision needs, Dr. Corsini might recommend alternative procedures like SMILE or PRK if LASIK isn’t appropriate. 

Factors Beyond Age: Determining Your LASIK Candidacy

Your age is just one component of your LASIK eligibility. Our Philadelphia team evaluates multiple factors to determine if LASIK is right for you: 

  • You should be without active eye infection, uncontrolled glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or other serious eye problems.
  • Your corneal thickness must be adequate for us to perform LASIK safely. 
  • Your prescription must be stable for at least a year.
  • LASIK must fit your visual demands and lifestyle goals. 
  • You should have realistic recovery expectations; temporary side effects like dry eyes, vision changes, and night vision adjustments can occur.
  • You must have general health conditions managed that would impact your body’s ability to heal.


At Corsini Laser Eye Center, we believe in a “20/happy” vision – an outcome beyond standard 20/20 vision. It’s about achieving sight that enhances and aligns with your lifestyle, empowering you in your hobbies, work, and daily activities. We take the time to learn about your vision demands to ensure your new vision brings true happiness and satisfaction to your life.

Ready to Discover Your Best Age for LASIK? 

Your personalized vision is waiting at Corsini Laser Eye Center. If you’re in the Philadelphia area and are curious about the right age for LASIK, schedule a complimentary consultation with us. Our expert team, led by Dr. Corsini, will assess your vision health, discuss your vision needs, and determine if it is the right time for LASIK. Call (484) 580-2166; we look forward to bringing more clarity to your world.