LASIK for Teens: Pros and Cons Of LASIK for Young Patients

LASIK is a quick and painless procedure lasting around 15 minutes, and it offers a potential solution to teenagers looking to achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Many teens desire LASIK to avoid the drawbacks of traditional vision correction methods, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.
But the first question that arises in parents’ minds is- Is LASIK safe for my teen kid?
Or, can a 13-year-old get laser eye surgery?
This blog discusses the LASIK surgery age limit, the minimum age for Lasik, the Lasik eye surgery age, the Lasik surgery age limit, whether a 13-year-old gets laser eye surgery, and the pros and cons associated with LASIK for young patients.
Can Teenage Patients Undergo LASIK?
Most surgeons recommend waiting until at least 18 years old due to ongoing eye development in teenagers. Teenage patients are generally not suitable candidates, as their vision prescriptions are likely to change, requiring potential re-treatment.
LASIK Pros and Cons for Teens
Pros of LASIK for Teens:
- Improved Quality of Life: The desire for clear vision is common among teens, as eyeglasses can lead to self-consciousness and peer bullying. Contact lenses can provide some relief, but LASIK offers a more permanent solution, boosting self-esteem and confidence among teenagers.
- Convenience: Contact lenses can be time-consuming to apply in the morning, especially when teens are in a hurry and require proper cleaning at night. LASIK is considered highly convenient for active teenagers, as it enables them to engage in sports and various activities without the concerns of glasses or contact lenses.
- Quick Recovery: Recovery time is relatively short, allowing teens to return to their normal activities soon after the procedure.
- Long-Term Solution: LASIK is a permanent solution, often eliminating the need for vision correction well into adulthood.
- Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Without the constraints of glasses, teens may experience a broader field of vision, particularly beneficial in sports and other physical activities.
- No Fogging or Smudging: Teens won’t have to deal with common inconveniences like foggy glasses or smudged lenses.
- Convenience in School and Sports: LASIK provides convenience in academic settings and sports activities where glasses or contacts might be cumbersome.
- Safety Record: LASIK has a high safety record when performed by experienced and qualified surgeons, making it a reliable option for eligible teens.
Cons of LASIK for Teens:
Although quite safe, some cons may be:
- Ongoing Eye changes: Teenagers’ eyes are subject to ongoing changes, potentially leading to fluctuations in their vision prescriptions during late adolescence. The cornea’s shape can change, causing variations in nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. LASIK can become less effective if the patient’s prescription changes post-surgery, necessitating re-treatment.
- Additional LASIK surgery requirement: LASIK surgery in teenagers, or before their vision stabilizes, can lead to excellent initial results. However, over time, their vision may gradually worsen, necessitating glasses or contact lenses. In such cases, a LASIK enhancement procedure is required to reshape the corneal tissue and restore clear vision.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery
Those having the following conditions should not have Laser Eye Surgery include
- Unstable Prescription: Wait until the teenager’s vision prescription stabilizes till 18 years.
- Health Conditions: Teens with autoimmune diseases or diabetes are not good candidates for LASIK. Teens should have realistic expectations about LASIK results like adults.
- Insufficient corneal thickness: A thorough eye examination will determine that the teenager’s cornea is thick enough to undergo the procedure safely as the cornea is reshaped in LASIK.
How Long Does LASIK Last?
LASIK provides long-lasting vision correction, but LASIK stability results also depend on various factors, including the patient’s age, eye health, and prescription. Teenagers may need enhancement procedures if done before 18 years.
Is LASIK Surgery Painful?
Pain during LASIK surgery, a common concern among teenagers, is typically minimal. Numbing eye drops ensure comfort during the procedure, with patients possibly experiencing slight pressure or discomfort.
After surgery, there may be mild discomfort or itching, manageable with prescribed eye drops. The healing process takes a few days, with the cornea gradually recovering. Overall, LASIK is generally a painless and well-tolerated procedure.
Consult Suruchi Eye Hospital for LASIK eye surgery
Suruchi Eye Hospital & Lasik Centre Navi Mumbai is the Best Eye Hospital and best Lasik Centre for Lasik Surgery at affordable cost.
They provide Robotic Cataract Surgery, Bladeless Contoura LASIK, Glaucoma, Retina and Advanced Eye Care (Facilities), and Eye Treatment by Dr. Rajesh Kapoor.