Can Teenagers swap their glasses for Laser Eye Surgery?

07 Mar 2014

Some teens who have to wear glasses to compensate for a refractive error would love to avail of eye surgery to free them from a dependence on corrective eyewear.

 

They can’t get the surgery until they are at least 18, and it’s because throughout childhood the body is continuously growing, and during the teenage years when there is an unprecedented growth spurt the eyes are susceptible to changing shape.

 

Teenagers who need glasses in order to see clearly will not be able to undergo Laser Eye Surgery because it is likely that their eyesight will continue to change until the eye stops growing.

 

Laser Eye Surgery permanently reshapes the cornea in order to negate any refractive error, and in the case of teenagers it is unsafe to perform the procedure as the cornea is not fully developed.

 

In order to be considered as a viable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, a patient must be over 18 and have a stable refractive error for at least 12 months.

What is a refractive error?

A refractive error is related to the process of refraction that takes place in the eye and allows a person to see clearly.

 

Light rays from the outside world enter through the front of the eye where the cornea is located and undergo refraction or the bending of light.

 

When light is refracted correctly by the cornea it lands directly on the retina at the back of the eye and images appear in focus.

 

If there is a refractive error, it can be linked to either the shape of the cornea or the length of the eye.

 

A refractive error causes light to land either in front of or behind the retina, which causes blurred vision.

What is a stable refractive error?

A stable refractive error means that there has been no change in a patient’s eyesight for a period of 12 months or more.

 

When the eye has completed growing, the original refractive error remains the same and can be effectively treated with Laser Eye Surgery.

 

In the case of teenagers, any refractive error cannot be deemed stable and therefore there is a risk of under-correction if they were to undergo Laser Eye Surgery.

 

An under-correction would mean that as the eye continues to grow the corrective measure is reduced and once again glasses would be needed to see clearly.

 

Laser Eye Surgery would have to be performed again once the refractive error had stabilized.

 

For more information, call +353 1 223 8821.

More to Explore

Give yourself the gift of 20/20 vision with Optilase!

16 Oct 2020
Read more

1-in-5 Irish adults over the age of 45 believe they’re past the point of “Sexy”

05 May 2015
Read more

Could You be Suitable For Vision Correction Treatment?

24 Apr 2012
Read more

Eye Spy (second part)

15 Apr 2011
Read more

Book a Free Consultation Today!

At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
World’s Leading Technology
Laser Eye Surgery Lifetime Care Guarantee
Laser Health Insurance Discount
World-Renowned Surgeons
20% Tax Relief
0% Interest Free Finance
99% Of Our Patients Recommend Us
No Waiting List Guaranteed

Patient Reviews

google
Monica mc mahon
April 15, 2024

From beginning to End of my procedure with Optilase, I was treated personally and professionally. The surgery, true aftercare was smooth and efficient and I can only say it was the perfect choice for us . I highly recommend Optilase.

google
Roxanne Bartolome
April 15, 2024

I recently had the PRK procedure a month ago. It's been life changing to be able to see clearly after wearing glasses for 20 years. My vision was not 20/20 after surgery since I had PRK and I was first scared that it won't get better. But give it time and patience and it will improve. Optilase was superb on aftercare and the team during the surgery really took care of me. I'm so happy ❤️ Thank you Optilase!

google
Lin Walsh
April 12, 2024

Omg i thought about having lens replacement for 2 years , i just wish i did it then , I’m absolutely delighted with my eyes now , i am only 3 weeks over it and cant believe how wonderful it is to see everything so clear , i nearly want to tell everyone who wears glasses to do this , if i had known sooner how painless this op is i would have booked in immediately , Everyone in my Clinic were fantastic so friendly , just do it you certainly wont regret it , also the aftercare is amazing .

google
Susan Sutton
April 8, 2024

Staff are all very nice and procedure was painless and quick

google
David Hill
April 8, 2024

Delighted with my experience at Optilase. Professional staff who looked after me from start to finish. Procedure itself was very quick. A big thanks to the whole team.

google
Aoife Mckenna
April 8, 2024

Absolutely delighted with the results of my surgery. I wish I done it years ago

google
Denise Carroll
April 8, 2024

Does what it say, corrects your vision! Very fast and professional service.

google
jessica daiana
April 8, 2024

Great price for excellent service. All staff was very professional and welcoming, great results and good aftercare

google
gary Malone
April 6, 2024

Best thing I ever done ,👍

google
Catriona Brady
April 1, 2024

Fantastic experience throughout, from consultation to aftercare. Professional, welcoming and calming staff. Appointments and procedure were easy and relaxed and the overall result was excellent. Aftercare was also great, nothing was ever a hassle.

google
Rebecca Walsh
March 29, 2024

Worth the money. Staff guide you step by step to relax you through the surgery. Recommend

google
Mark O'Keeffe
March 28, 2024

I found the whole process very professional and very well organised. They also assisted in the documentation process very easy. They were also very good to help in arranging the reference process too. If I was make one small comment is they need to add a prescription painkiller to the process. Although the after experience was exactly what was expected it could been managed better with a stronger pain relief. Other than that I have recommended 3 people to get the procedure from Optilase, all of which had a great experience. I would highly recommend Optilase for vision correction and the long term benefits have changed my life.

Lets Connect

Privacy CentrePolicy & Procedures
Flexible Payment with
humm
Book a Free Consultation
crossmenuchevron-left