If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contacts, LASIK might sound like a dream come true. However, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Knowing if you’re a good candidate can help you whittle down your options and be sure you’re making the right choice.
When is LASIK a Good Option?
LASIK is a life-changing procedure for many, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Your eyes are unique, and what works for one person may not be safe or effective for another. While you should always meet with a doctor to get a professional recommendation, here are some basic ways to know if LASIK is the right choice for you.
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Your Prescription is Stable
One of the biggest indicators of LASIK eligibility is prescription stability. If your vision has been changing frequently over the last year or two, that’s a sign that your eyes aren’t yet stable enough for the procedure. LASIK works by reshaping your cornea to correct your current vision issues, so if your eyes are still evolving, the results won’t last.
Ideally, your glasses or contact lens prescription should have remained the same for at least 12 months – and in many cases, LASIK providers look for two years of stability. If you’re still experiencing frequent changes in your vision, it’s best to wait until things settle down.
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Your Eyes Should Be in Good Health
LASIK isn’t just about fixing your prescription. It’s about working with eyes that are healthy enough to heal properly. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with an eye disease – like glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus – you may not be a candidate for the surgery.
You also need to be free from eye infections, dry eye syndrome, or inflammation at the time of your consultation. Even issues like chronic eye rubbing (often associated with allergies) can be red flags for LASIK specialists. The good news? Some of these conditions can be managed or treated beforehand, which is another reason why meeting with a LASIK specialist is critical.
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Age Matters
LASIK is approved for people 18 and older. That’s because vision tends to fluctuate more in younger patients, and waiting a few extra years ensures your prescription has truly stabilized.
On the flip side, there’s no strict upper age limit for LASIK. However, if you’re over 40, your candidacy depends more on eye health and less on your birth certificate. Many people in their 50s and even 60s have undergone LASIK with excellent results. Just know that as you age, you may still need reading glasses due to a natural condition called presbyopia. LASIK won’t stop that.
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You Need the Right Corneal Thickness
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea – the clear front part of your eye – to correct how light enters your eye. If your corneas are too thin, there may not be enough tissue to work with, which increases the risk of complications or poor outcomes.
A comprehensive LASIK evaluation includes measuring your corneal thickness and mapping the shape of your eye. If your corneas are too thin or irregular, you may still be eligible for an alternative procedure like PRK, which achieves similar results using a different technique.
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Your Overall Health Plays a Role
Your eyes don’t exist in a vacuum. Certain medical conditions can make LASIK a poor choice. If you have an autoimmune disorder like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or if you’re prone to poor wound healing, your risk of post-surgical complications goes up. The same goes for diabetes that isn’t well controlled, which can affect how your eyes heal after the procedure.
It’s also important to avoid LASIK if you’re pregnant or nursing, as hormonal changes can temporarily affect your vision. Once your hormones settle and you’re no longer breastfeeding, you can be re-evaluated.
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LASIK Isn’t the Only Option
If you don’t qualify for LASIK, don’t give up hope. There are other vision correction options that may still be a great fit.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This procedure is similar to LASIK but doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, making it ideal for people with thinner corneas.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer option that uses a smaller incision and may be more comfortable for people with dry eyes.
- Implantable lenses: In some cases, a small artificial lens can be inserted into the eye, similar to a contact lens, for long-term correction.
LASIK is just one of several advanced solutions. A qualified specialist will help you explore all your options.
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Talk to a LASIK Specialist First
You won’t know for sure whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK until you speak with someone who does this for a living. A LASIK specialist will examine your eyes, ask about your medical history, measure your prescription and corneal thickness, and help you understand your options. This is your opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and find out what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Putting it All Together
LASIK can be a life-changing solution if you’re a good candidate – and a disappointment if you jump into it without fully understanding the risks or your eligibility. That’s why doing your homework and meeting with a specialist is so important.
Remember, just because LASIK isn’t right for you today doesn’t mean you’ll never be a candidate. Some issues can be corrected or managed with time, treatment, or lifestyle changes. And with advancements in vision correction technology happening all the time, new options may be just around the corner.
