In most cases, LASIK is not recommended for children because their eyes are still developing. But, in a very rare case, a child with one very nearsighted eye and a normal eye might benefit from this procedure.
The best age for LASIK is between the ages of 25 and 40. Since many people who choose to have this surgery have had their prescription changed within the past year, most surgeons require that you have had at least a year of good vision without a major change in your prescription before undergoing the surgery.
LASIK can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK works by adjusting the shape of your cornea to help light focus properly on your retina, which is behind the eye lens.
A LASIK eye surgery involves a laser cutting a flap in the clear front layer of your eye called the cornea. The surgeon then lifts this flap back up and applies a shield to protect your eye.
After your LASIK procedure, you may experience some discomfort and/or a burning sensation in your eyes. This feeling usually goes away in a day or two and can be relieved with the use of eye drops.
You can expect to see improvement in your vision almost immediately after your LASIK surgery. However, it may take three to six months for your eyes to fully heal.