Rebeauty

2026-07-20

LASIK, LASEK, SMILE Surgery: What's the Optimal Age?

Discover the optimal age for LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE eye surgeries. Learn about age-specific considerations, when myopia stabilizes, and how to choose the right procedure for your lifestyle.

LASIK, LASEK, SMILE Surgery: What's the Optimal Age?

If you are considering vision correction surgery, you might be wondering if it's the right time for your eyes,

or if you might be too late.

I believe many people have these questions.

What is the optimal age for vision correction surgeries like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE surgery?

Let's take some time today to find answers to these questions :)

First, vision correction surgeries like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE are generally available for individuals aged 18 and older,

as advised by hospitals.

However, just because you're over 18 doesn't mean you should proceed without careful consideration, right?

The crucial point for vision correction is to ensure that

eye growth has ceased and myopia progression has stopped.

It's best to proceed after confirming this through a precise examination.

It is generally known that myopia progression stops around

the 9th to 10th grade for females and 10th to 11th grade for males.

(However, since this is a period of intense study, there might be inconveniences,

so many typically seek vision correction after the college entrance exam.)

Among them, there are some students who are so eager for vision correction surgery that they visit before the college entrance exam.

The doctors reportedly ask if there is a compelling reason to do it now.

In most such cases, these are students majoring in arts/sports or preparing for military academies or special forces.

Now, getting to the main point, after myopia progression stops, up until the age of 40,

there is usually no significant change in glasses prescription.

However, from the mid-40s, presbyopia gradually begins,

and from the age of 50, cataract symptoms may slowly progress.

These situations can occur.

Looking at vision correction by age group, most commonly:

Under 18: Ortho-K lenses

20s to under 40: LASIK, LASEK, New SMILE, ICL

40s to under 50: Presbyopia LASIK [LASIK, LASEK, New SMILE]

Over 50: Presbyopia correction, cataract surgery

This is a general categorization.

It would be great if all surgeries were possible under all conditions,

but please note that some surgeries may not be possible depending on the corneal condition.

Please keep this in mind!

To summarize today's content briefly and concisely:

At a younger age, there is a wider range of surgical options, and the advantage of maintaining good vision for a long time.

(However, some surgeries may not be possible depending on the corneal condition.)

On the other hand, from the age of 40, presbyopia gradually sets in,

so it's best to find ‘the right vision correction surgery for you’

by consulting thoroughly with a specialist, considering your hobbies, lifestyle,

and occupation.

Have your questions been answered?

If you are considering vision correction, I hope this information has been helpful. :)

If you have any questions about vision correction,

we will be happy to provide friendly consultation at any time.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic always strives to provide the best patient-centered medical services.

Thank you.

💙🤍 𝖦𝖠𝖭𝖦𝖭𝖠𝖬 𝖲𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖤 𝖤𝖸𝖤 𝖢𝖫𝖨𝖭𝖨𝖢💙🤍

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
4th and 6th Floors, Tongyeong Building, 405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can one undergo vision correction surgery?

Vision correction surgery is generally possible from the age of 18. However, rather than age, it is crucial to confirm through a precise examination whether eye growth has ceased and myopia progression has stopped.

When does myopia progression usually stop?

It is generally known that myopia progression stops around the 9th to 10th grade for females and 10th to 11th grade for males. There can be individual differences.

Are there cases where vision correction surgery is performed before the college entrance exam?

Yes, there are. Students majoring in arts/sports or those preparing for military academies or special forces may consider vision correction surgery before the college entrance exam if there is a special reason.

Is vision correction surgery possible after age 40?

Yes, it is possible. As presbyopia can begin in the mid-40s, it is best to find a personalized vision correction surgery by consulting thoroughly with a specialist, considering your hobbies, lifestyle, and occupation.

Are different vision correction surgeries recommended for different age groups?

Yes, they are. For those under 18, Ortho-K lenses; for those aged 20-40, LASIK, LASEK, New SMILE, ICL; for those aged 40-50, presbyopia LASIK; and for those over 50, presbyopia correction and cataract surgery may be considered.

What should be confirmed before undergoing vision correction surgery?

The most important thing is to confirm through a precise examination whether eye growth has ceased and myopia progression has stopped. Additionally, since the possible surgeries may vary depending on the corneal condition, consultation with a specialist is essential.

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