Can I do Lasik eye surgery at the age of 35 years? My prescription is -4.25 on both eyes.

The age range for LASIK according to FDA labeling is 18+. For some of the earlier lasers approved it is 21+.

However, LASIK may be done safely on younger people under certain circumstances as an "off-label use." I performed LASIK on my 16 year old son because he was within an easy range of correction and was a "contact lens abuser." In general, your doctor needs to make sure your eyes' refraction (glasses prescription) is fairly stable and free of any underlying anatomical anomalies that might compromise a good result.

At the upper age range, it is important to realize that after 40 you will be developing a new vision problem unrelated to any myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism called Presbyopia. This is the gradual, age-related loss of near vision that is not corrected by LASIK, PRK, or ICLs. You will experience Presbyopia whether you have laser vision correction or not.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic