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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Minimum age for PRK or LASIK?
Answered by
John C Hagan III, MD, FACS - Ophthalmology
Discover Vision Centers
Kansas City - MO
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Minimum age for PRK or LASIK?
by Mustang Mike, Aug 15, 2007 11:22AM
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?
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?
Doctor's Answer
by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, Aug 15, 2007 09:17PM
, Aug 15, 2007 09:17PM
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
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
Member Comments (2)
by Mustang Mike, Aug 16, 2007 03:38PM
To: John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
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
