Minimum age for PRK or LASIK?

Is there a required minimum age for PRK?  for LASIK?

My son, who will be 21 in May 2008, needs a procedure for his planned career after college.  Life's timing suggests that he have it done in December 2007.  Is this timing advisable?

If not, when would be the earliest, safest time to do it?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There are other indications for LASIK and other refractive procedures. Some such as treatment of amblyopia or unequal refractive error (aneisometrophia) are done on children and minors (with informed parental consent).

Other than that the minimum age for a refractive procedure done to reduce the dependence on glasses will vary depending on the country, and the custom and dictates of the refractive surgeon.

It is also advisable that the prescription be more or less stable.

The outrageous tort law (lawsuit industry) in the USA makes many surgeons wait for the legal definition of "adult" so that the one being operated on can give informed consent.

JCH III MD     Eye MD

[Mustang Mike]

Yes, we are in the USA.  We have now scheduled an appointment with the foremost eye surgeon in our region for next Wednesday 8/22/07, so we will find out soon enough.  Thank you.  MM