Ophthalmologists recommend refractive eye surgery before age 30

Ophthalmologists are increasingly recommending refractive eye surgery for patients under the age of 30, a shift from previous practices that favored individuals between 30 and 40 years old. This change reflects evolving lifestyles and significant advancements in surgical technology, making the procedure more accessible and effective for younger candidates.

“

Currently, we perform a sustained average of more than 50 refractive surgeries per month, and what we see is that about half of those patients are under 30 years old, when before the age they reached the operating room was between 30 and 40 years old.

Dr. Franco Rocco, a specialist in refractive surgery and cataracts, notes that his center performs over 50 refractive surgeries monthly, with approximately half of these patients now being under 30. This contrasts sharply with the past, when the typical age range for such procedures was considerably higher. The growing prevalence of refractive errors worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating that half the global population could be myopic by 2050, contributes to this trend.

Historically, professionals advised waiting until adulthood to ensure eye growth had stabilized. However, modern advancements have made the procedure safer and more predictable. "Today, this procedure is no longer seen as an option for later in life," Rocco explains, "and we receive consultations from patients as young as 23 or 24 who, for personal or professional reasons, do not want to wait any longer if they are good candidates for surgery."

“

Historically, we recommended waiting until adulthood to ensure that the natural growth of the eye had finished and that the prescription remained stable. Today, this procedure is no longer seen as an option for later in life, and we receive consultations from patients as young as 23 or 24 who, for personal or professional reasons, do not want to wait any longer if they are good candidates for the surgery.

Several factors drive this shift, including changing lifestyles among younger generations, greater access to information, and technological improvements that have enhanced the procedure's efficacy and reduced risks. Patients seek to resolve vision issues earlier to comfortably engage in sports, improve professional performance, or simply conduct daily activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

“

They seek to resolve the problem earlier because they want to play sports comfortably, work, or simply carry out their daily activities without depending on glasses.

Despite the trend, Rocco emphasizes that refractive surgery is not suitable for everyone. A thorough consultation with an ophthalmologist and comprehensive eye exams are essential to determine candidacy. Ideal candidates typically fall between the ages of 21 and 45, have stable vision, and regularly use corrective lenses. Pre-operative assessments evaluate corneal thickness and other ocular structures to rule out conditions like dry eye or keratoconus.

“

First, it is important to consult with an ophthalmologist and undergo the corresponding studies, and determine based on this analysis whether the person is a candidate or not for the procedure.