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When Should I Get LASIK? Age, Eligibility, and Recovery Explained
Thursday, April 9, 2026
If you’ve been thinking about ditching your glasses or contacts, you might be wondering: Is now a good time for LASIK surgery? Is there a “best age?" Should you wait until your prescription stops changing?
In the United States, over 700,000 LASIK eye surgeries are performed every year, and timing does matter. But the right time for LASIK depends less on your age and more on your eye health and vision stability, says Scott MacRae, MD, LASIK eye surgeon with University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute and an international authority on LASIK. Here’s what Dr. MacRae says to consider before scheduling laser vision correction.
Is There a “Best Age” for LASIK?
Many people assume there’s a perfect age for LASIK surgery. But age alone is rarely the deciding factor. Generally, candidates must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have had a stable vision prescription for one to two years
- Not be pregnant at the time of surgery
The best time to get LASIK surgery is when your vision is stable and when you’re ready.
Common LASIK Misconceptions
- “I’m too young.” Some people’s prescription stabilizes at a younger age.
- “I’m too old.” If you’re in good overall and ocular health, LASIK can be performed at most ages, even in patients with conditions like well-controlled glaucoma.
- “I’m not healthy enough.” Patients can be eligible despite chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, well-controlled diabetes, and other conditions.