How old is too old for LASIK?

In a certain sense, there is really no age limit to having LASIK. But practically speaking, all Laser Vision Correction procedures are best for people up to about age 50. LASIK works best for nearsightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism. It is not so great for farsightedness (hyperopia) but some people do well.

The problem with LASIK over 50 is this: the focusing mechanism of the human eye is dependent upon two focusing elements: 1) the cornea and 2) the natural lens. Since laser vision correction procedures work only on the cornea, the aging of the natural lens will create ongoing problems with vision no matter how good a LASIK result, e.g. presbyopia, light scatter. This does not mean LASIK over is age 50 is always a bad idea, just that the results are going to be compromised at least somewhat by something (the lens) that LASIK does not touch.

Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic