While surgical vision correction is generally not recommended for patients under 18 years of age and is not typical, it may be considered reasonable in extreme cases. The eye should reach what ophthalmologists term “ocular maturity” before deciding on a surgical option for vision correction. Ocular maturity is the stage in eye development when the eye has finished growing, and prescriptions remain relatively stable. As children grow, their eyes also grow and change, leading to frequent prescription changes.
Most patients will reach ocular maturity by age 18, but up to 10% may experience prescription fluctuations until age 21. Parents considering surgical vision correction for their children at a young age should seek consultation as early as 16 years, ensuring that prescriptions have been stable for 12 to 24 months before any surgical intervention. For individuals under 18, glasses and contact lenses are generally the best options for vision correction. Regular eye checks by an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional are recommended to ensure the child’s prescription is kept up to date.