When it comes to getting rid of glasses or contact lenses, one of the most common questions patients ask is — “What is the right age for LASIK surgery?”
In the first episode of LASIKed — a podcast by Eye Veda Hospital, Dr. Surabhi Dutt (Cornea & Cataract Specialist) and Dr. Udbhav Dorwal (Cataract & LASIK Surgeon) sit down to clear the air around this important topic. Their discussion goes beyond numbers and guidelines — it’s about understanding how every eye is different, and why LASIK is ultimately a personalized decision.
Understanding the Right Age for LASIK
Dr. Dorwal explains that while there is no single “perfect” age, the lower limit is fairly well-defined — 18 years and above. This is when the natural growth of the body, including the eyes, stabilizes. For LASIK or any form of refractive surgery such as PRK or SMILE, the most important prerequisite is that the eye power should be stable for at least a year.
Dr. Dutt adds that while 18 is the general cutoff, it also depends on individual factors — gender, lifestyle, and how stable the vision prescription has been over time. Both doctors agree that stability of vision is far more important than chronological age.
Can You Get LASIK After 40?
Another common misconception is that LASIK shouldn’t be done after 40. The doctors clarify that there is no upper age limit as long as the eyes are healthy and meet the medical criteria.
For instance, Dr. Dorwal recalls a case of a 48-year-old journalist who wanted to be spectacle-free on camera. She underwent LASIK and continued using reading glasses comfortably for close work. Similarly, Dr. Dutt shares an example of a 60-year-old patient who had previously undergone cataract surgery and opted for a minor laser correction to eliminate his remaining power — and was delighted with the outcome.
The Takeaway: It’s About Clarity, Not Age
So, what’s the takeaway from this conversation?
If you’re above 18, your prescription has been stable, and your eyes are healthy, you can safely consider LASIK or other vision-correction procedures. There is no upper age limit — only a need for the right evaluation and realistic expectations.
At Eye Veda, every LASIK consultation begins with comprehensive diagnostic tests, corneal mapping, and individualized counseling. The goal is to ensure that patients not only see better but also understand every step of the journey — living the Eye Veda philosophy of Clarity to Infinity.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, freedom from spectacles is possible — when guided by the right expertise.
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