Why is age a limiting factor?
Because age determines visual stability [=glasses stability] and since laser vision correction is meant to be permanent, it is desirable that the patient’s vision to be in a stable state at the time of the procedure. Visual maturity is reached around age 20-22. Up until that age, the eye actually continues to grow and consequently the focus is progressively changing. Once growth has stopped, the vision (or the patient’s glasses prescription) stabilizes. Cataracts begin to form around age 65 in most people and as a result the prescription once again begins to change. It’s important in this age range to carefully evaluate the patient for cataracts. Accordingly, everyone between the ages of 22 and 65 are potential candidates for laser vision correction.
