Laser Eye Surgery/LASIK for myopia in children

If your child is short‑sighted (myopic), you’ve probably wondered whether laser eye surgery could “fix” their vision. Laser vision correction can be highly effective for adults, but it isn’t suitable for children and doesn’t treat the underlying cause of myopia. Here’s a clear, parent‑friendly guide to how laser eye surgery works, when it’s considered, and what you can do now to manage your child’s myopia.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser vision correction reshapes the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) so light focuses properly on the retina. Common procedures include:

• LASIK: A thin flap is created in the cornea, the laser reshapes the tissue, and the flap is replaced. Recovery is usually quick.

• PRK/LASEK/TransPRK: The surface layer is removed, laser reshapes the cornea, and the surface heals over several days. Good for thinner corneas.

• SMILE: A laser creates and removes a tiny lens‑shaped piece of tissue through a small incision, without a flap.

These procedures correct the refractive error you have today. They do not stop myopia from getting worse, and they don’t reduce the lifetime eye health risks associated with higher levels of myopia.

Is laser eye surgery suitable for children?

In general, no. Children’s and teenagers’ eyes are still growing, and their prescriptions often change. Laser eye surgery is typically considered only when:

• The person is an adult (commonly 18+), and

• The prescription has been stable for at least 1–2 years, and

• The eyes are otherwise healthy, and

• There is a full understanding of benefits, risks and alternatives.

Outside of very rare medical scenarios, laser vision correction is not recommended for under‑18s.

Benefits and risks to consider for the future

Benefits:

• High satisfaction in appropriately selected adults

• Quick visual recovery (especially with LASIK/SMILE)

• Reduced dependence on glasses/contact lenses

Possible risks and side effects:

• Dry eye symptoms, especially in the first months

• Glare, halos or starbursts around lights at night

• Over‑ or under‑correction, occasionally needing enhancement

• Inflammation, infection, or corneal weakening (ectasia), which are uncommon but potentially serious

• Reading glasses still likely later in life due to normal age‑related changes

Who might not be suitable later on:

• Unstable prescription

• Very thin or irregular corneas, keratoconus, active eye disease, or severe dry eye

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time of surgery

• Very high prescriptions may be better suited to alternative procedures (e.g., implantable lenses), decided by a specialist

What you can do now: proven myopia management for children

While surgery must wait until adulthood, you can take action today to slow myopia progression and protect long‑term eye health:

• Myopia‑control contact lenses: Special soft lenses or overnight orthokeratology (ortho‑k) lenses can slow the worsening of myopia in many children.

• Low‑dose atropine eye drops: Prescribed by an eye care professional and used nightly to reduce progression.

• Myopia‑control glasses: Special lens designs shown to slow myopia in kids.

Why myopia management matters

Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses. Higher myopia increases the lifetime risk of conditions like retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and earlier cataract. Slowing progression during childhood can reduce these risks and preserve better vision in adulthood—whether or not your child ever chooses laser eye surgery later on.

Laser eye surgery can be a great option for some adults, but it isn’t appropriate for children and it doesn’t address the underlying progression of myopia. The most important step you can take now is to start or continue an effective myopia management plan.

For more trusted guidance, evidence‑based options and practical support, read our complete guide on myopia control.