Am I Too Old or Too Young for Laser Eye Surgery? Age Eligibility Explained
Laser vision correction – such as LASIK, SMILE, SILK, Smartsight or PRK – can give you freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But one of the most common questions we hear is: “Am I the right age for it?”
The answer depends less on a single “magic number” and more on your eye health, prescription stability, and lifestyle needs.
Q1: What’s the youngest age for laser vision correction?
In Australia, most patients need to be at least 18 years old, but the more important factor is having a stable prescription for 12–24 months.
Many surgeons recommend waiting until your early 20s, as prescriptions can still change in late adolescence.
For younger patients, lifestyle (sports, work needs) and corneal development are also considered.
Q2: Is there an upper age limit?
There’s no strict cut-off, but after mid-to-late 40s, you may start developing presbyopia (age-related close-up blur) or early lens changes.
From your 50s onwards, cataracts can become a more likely cause of vision issues.
In these cases, lens-based surgery (like refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery with a premium lens) may be more appropriate than laser.
Q3: Can I have laser eye surgery in my 60s or 70s?
Yes, but usually only if:
- You have clear lenses without cataract.
- Your corneal health is excellent.
- Your goals are realistic—laser won’t stop natural age-related vision changes.
For many in this age range, cataract or lens replacement surgery may offer longer-lasting benefits.
Q4: How does age affect recovery time?
Younger patients tend to heal slightly faster, but modern laser technology means recovery is usually quick at any age—often returning to normal activities within days.
Q5: What’s the best way to find out?
Book a comprehensive laser assessment. At Hunter Street Eye Specialists, we’ll measure:
- Corneal thickness & shape
- Tear film quality
- Prescription stability
- Lens health
- Overall eye condition
This allows us to recommend whether LASIK, SMILE, PRK, SILK, Smartsight or a lens-based procedure is best for your age, eyes, and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum age: 18 years, ideally early 20s with stable prescription.
- No fixed maximum age – eye health matters more than age.
- Over 45? Lens-based options may be better.
- Only a full eye assessment can confirm your suitability.
Whether you’re 20 or 70, our team will help you choose the safest, most effective vision correction option.
