Quick Answer: Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Most people with healthy eyes, a stable prescription, and mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are good candidates for LASIK. Ideal candidates are:
- Age 18+ with stable vision for at least one year
- Sufficient corneal thickness
- Free from serious eye diseases or injuries
- In good overall health without conditions that affect healing
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
LASIK is one of the most popular and successful refractive surgeries worldwide. It offers freedom from glasses and contact lenses for millions of patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, and ensuring safety is a critical part of the process.
Dr. Robert Dinga, an expert optometrist working in the field of optometry and laser vision correction explains more about being a safe LASIK candidate in this video.
What Makes Someone a Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most trusted and effective forms of vision correction. However, it is not right for everyone. To ensure safety and long-term success, your eye doctor will carefully evaluate whether you are a good candidate for LASIK.
1. Stable Vision Prescription
Your prescription should not have changed significantly for at least one year. This helps ensure that your vision remains clear after surgery.
2. Corneal Thickness and Shape
Since LASIK reshapes the cornea, having enough corneal tissue is essential. Patients with thinner corneas may still qualify for alternatives such as PRK.
3. Healthy Eyes
A good LASIK eye surgery candidate should be free from conditions such as keratoconus, glaucoma, uncontrolled dry eye, or cataracts. These issues may need treatment before considering LASIK.
4. General Health
Autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, and conditions that interfere with healing may affect your candidacy. A thorough medical history helps your surgeon make the safest decision.
5. Age and Life Stages
While age alone is not a restriction, LASIK is not typically performed on patients under 18. For those over 40, presbyopia (the natural need for reading glasses) may require special considerations. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily affect vision stability, so most doctors recommend waiting until these stages are complete.
Who Is Not a Candidate for LASIK?
Some patients may not be eligible for LASIK due to:
- Severe or uncontrolled dry eye syndrome
- Very thin or irregular corneas
- Advanced eye disease (such as glaucoma or keratoconus)
- Unstable prescriptions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Health conditions that impair healing
For these patients, alternatives like PRK or SMILE may still provide excellent outcomes.
LASIK Candidate vs. Not a Candidate
| Good LASIK Candidate | Not a LASIK Candidate |
|---|---|
| Age 18+ with stable prescription | Under 18 or unstable prescription |
| Mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism | Severe prescription outside LASIK treatment range |
| Healthy corneas with sufficient thickness | Very thin or irregular corneas |
| No serious eye conditions (glaucoma, keratoconus, advanced cataracts) | Active eye disease or uncontrolled dry eyes |
| Good general health (no conditions affecting healing) | Autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes |
| Not pregnant or breastfeeding | Hormonal changes affecting vision stability |
Common Questions About LASIK Candidates
Who is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery?
Someone 18 or older with a stable prescription, healthy eyes, and sufficient corneal thickness.
Who is not a candidate for LASIK?
Patients with unstable vision, advanced eye disease, or certain health conditions that affect healing.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Many patients with mild to moderate astigmatism achieve excellent results with LASIK.
Can I get LASIK if I have dry eyes?
It depends. Mild dry eye can often be treated before surgery. Severe cases may be better suited for PRK.
Do I need to be a certain age to get LASIK?
LASIK is typically recommended for adults 18+, with most patients between 20–55 years old.
Customizing LASIK for Every Patient
At Lasik.com Network Providers, candidacy evaluations go beyond basic checklists. Advanced technology such as corneal topography and wavefront-guided imaging ensures your treatment is personalized for optimal results. If LASIK isn’t the best option, your doctor will discuss safe and effective alternatives.
Dr. Dinga emphasizes the importance of corneal mapping and topography to assess the curvature and thickness of your cornea. These detailed measurements allow our surgeons to determine the exact amount of tissue that can be safely removed, ensuring your cornea remains strong and healthy after the surgery. Patients with thinner corneas may be candidates for alternative procedures like PRK, which offers similar results but removes less tissue.
Your Next Step: Find Out If You’re a Candidate
The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for LASIK eye surgery is through a professional consultation. Our experienced LASIK specialists use the latest diagnostic tools to provide personalized recommendations.
Schedule your free LASIK consultation at a Lasik.com Network Provider near you and take the first step toward clear, glasses-free vision.
Sources:
- “LASIK Candidacy and Safety,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2023.
- “Am I a Candidate for LASIK?” Refractive Surgery Council, 2023.
