Can I Have LASIK If I Am 18 and Have Mild Myopia?

My name is Kiran Challa, and I specialize in providing advice on eye health and vision correction options. In this article, I will answer questions related to LASIK for individuals with mild myopia, specifically those who are 18 years of age and have -0.75 and -1.50 myopia in both eyes.

Understanding Myopia in Young Adults

If you have simple myopia, it is essential to get your eyes checked every six months. There are various myopia control solutions available, and it is best to discuss these options with your doctor and optometrist.

Consider activities such as reducing screen time, engaging in outdoor activities, and working in well-lit conditions. Additionally, the 20–20–20 rule can help reduce eye strain: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.

Considering LASIK for Mild Myopia

LASIK could be a viable option depending on your corneal parameters, but I personally do not recommend it for such a relatively small prescription.

If your prescription power has been stable for over a year, then LASIK could be considered. However, if your prescription is not stable, it's possible that your power might increase after LASIK.

Real-World Example

One of my cousins, who is just above 18 years old, recently underwent vision correction. He had stable eyesight for over four years, which made him eligible for LASIK. He ultimately chose a modern LASIK technique called Contoura Vision at Eye7 Hospitals in Delhi. After over eight months, his vision is reportedly perfect, with no significant issues.

Final Thoughts and Considerations

While technically, you can have LASIK at 18 with -0.75 and -1.50 prescriptions, I would generally advise against it. The result after LASIK might still have some residual myopia, ranging from -0.25 to -0.50, even after the best LASIK procedure.

If your myopia is mild, you can consider wearing contact lenses as an alternative, which might be more practical for now and offer better vision throughout your daily activities.

Additionally, when you reach your mid-40s, you may need reading glasses to see close-up. At that time, your left eye might still be useful for reading and other up-close tasks.

It's always best to consult your local optometrist to ensure that your corneas and overall eye health are suitable for LASIK candidacy.