18 year old with astigmatism wanting eye laser surgery

[Rzim]

Just that really! Does anyone have any experience of this with an 18 year old - is it too young? Thx x

What’s their prescription? Has it changed in the last couple of years?
do they have a lazy eye/had patching as a child?

I've just had mine done at the age of 35 but I did go for my first consultation when I was 18 but couldn't do it because my prescription hadn't been stable for 5 years (which I think was what they advised at the time).

Also, I was very short sighted and whilst the surgery corrected that, I am still left with my astigmatism so I would check whether that it something they can repair?

I have astigmatism and had laser surgery when I was 31, no problems at all and I've just got glasses for driving at night but that's age 😂 I'm 43 now!

Most places do a free consultation so go along with her and see what they say, they won't do it if they don't think it will work or be worth it.

Many thx all super helpful

I have a better solution. They're still young, eye lasering is permanent and the eyes will still change through life. Have a look at 'Ortho K' lenses instead. They're laser-cut to match the eye exactly. You wear them in your sleep and take them out in the morning & have perfect eyes all day & evening. Game changer for me. My optician had his eyes lasered but he still has to wear glasses for reading so I thought what's the point?

I’d suggest you both research lens replacement rather than laser treatment.

I have lasik 10 years ago to correct astigmatism and shortsightedness.

Best thing I did l. I was 31.

Why the desperation to have it done soon?

I would ask them to hold out if possible. I had mine done at 20 and it’s regressed and I now need glasses and contacts again, could be bad luck but also I had it done very young xxx

ortho k is only suitable for lower levels of astigmatism.

@MyfavouriteisA an 18 year old with highish astigmatism is NOT going to be suitable for lens replacement.

As I said OP - what's their prescription?

About Minus 2 I think!

-2 astigmatism or myopia?

It usually looks something like this

R -2.00/-1.75 x 180. L -3.00/-0.75 x 180.

If you let me know their exact prescription (if they wear contacts, you can get an approximation of their prescription on the packets).

If it has changed in the last 2 years, it is pretty pointless getting it done until it's stabilised a bit as having surgery won't stop it from changing..

I work in a private hospital. None of the consultants that do laser eye surgery have had it done - they all wear glasses! DD is also 18 and has been wearing contact lenses since she was 12 for astigmatism + shortsightedness. If she wanted laser eye surgery I personally wouldn’t encourage it. Not worth the risk when her contacts don’t bother her at all.

Really appreciate all this advice - many many thx - looks like I need to have some serious chats with DD! Xx