Pediatric LASIK, though a niche segment, is gaining attention as myopia rates among children soar globally. However, performing LASIK on minors raises unique safety and ethical concerns, including corneal immaturity and long-term vision stability, making this segment a complex frontier for the LASIK market.

Current guidelines restrict LASIK to patients aged 18+ in most countries, as the cornea continues to grow until early adulthood. Yet, myopia progression in children—fueled by screen time and reduced outdoor activity—has sparked research into alternatives like orthokeratology (ortho-k) and low-dose atropine eye drops. However, these are temporary solutions, leading some parents and surgeons to reconsider pediatric LASIK. Pilot studies in South Korea and the U.S. suggest that for severe myopia (e.g., -10 diopters), LASIK may be viable for older teens (16–18), with minimal regression over 5 years. Still, risks remain: dry eye is more prevalent in younger patients, and vision changes during puberty could necessitate repeat surgeries.

The market for pediatric vision correction is distinct. While LASIK is not yet mainstream, clinics are offering pre-LASIK evaluations for teens to monitor corneal development, positioning themselves for future demand. Manufacturers are also exploring pediatric-specific devices, though none have secured FDA approval for minors. Ethical debates center on whether elective surgery for myopia is justified in children, with critics advocating for preventive measures instead. To assess this segment’s potential, including safety data, regulatory stances, and patient demographics, Market Research Future’s pediatric LASIK market analysis provides critical insights, highlighting growth projections and challenges unique to younger patients.

As myopia becomes a global crisis, the pediatric LASIK segment will remain a topic of discussion. Balancing medical need with ethical responsibility will be key, with most experts agreeing that prevention (through lifestyle changes) should precede surgical intervention. Yet, for severe cases, pediatric LASIK may soon become a viable option, expanding the market’s reach into new demographics.