Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly—without reaching for your glasses or contact lenses. With LASIK, that dream can become reality. This popular laser vision correction procedure can give you the visual freedom you’ve always wanted.
However, LASIK isn’t right for everyone. Understanding the requirements for LASIK candidacy can help you decide whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Keep reading to learn what makes an ideal LASIK candidate and how you can start your journey toward clearer vision.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK helps light focus properly on the retina (the back of the eye)—improving your vision dramatically.
After LASIK, many patients only need glasses or contact lenses for specific activities like reading or night driving. Others may no longer need visual aids at all.
LASIK Candidacy Requirements
To ensure LASIK is safe and effective, candidates must meet certain medical and vision criteria. Here are the key LASIK eligibility requirements:
- You’re 18 Years or Older
The FDA approves LASIK for patients 18 and older. Before this age, your vision may still be changing. Getting LASIK too early—before your eyes have fully developed—can cause results to be temporary, requiring another procedure or a return to glasses or contacts later.
- Your Prescription Has Been Stable for at Least a Year
Even if you’re over 18, your prescription needs to be stable for at least one to two years. Fluctuating prescriptions increase the chance that your vision will continue to change after LASIK, reducing the long-term effectiveness of the procedure.
- Your Corneas are Thick Enough
Corneal thickness is one of the most important factors in LASIK candidacy. During LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea and then reshaped to correct your vision. If your corneas are too thin, removing tissue could weaken them and lead to complications.
- You Have Healthy Eyes
Healthy eyes are essential for LASIK. Conditions such as severe dry eye, corneal disease or scarring, keratoconus, glaucoma, or cataracts can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
- You’re in Good General Health
Your overall health plays a vital role in LASIK recovery. Certain systemic conditions—like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)—can slow healing or increase the risk of post-surgery complications.
- Your Prescription is Within LASIK Limits
LASIK is designed to correct a range of refractive errors, but extremely high prescriptions may fall outside the safe treatment range. If your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is too severe, your surgeon may recommend an alternative procedure better suited to your eyes.
- Your Pupils are Not Too Large
Patients with very large pupils may be at greater risk of night vision issues such as glare, halos, or starbursts after LASIK. Your surgeon will measure your pupil size during your consultation to help determine whether LASIK is the best option.
- You’re Not Pregnant or Nursing
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily alter your corneal shape and prescription. For this reason, it’s best to wait at least three to six months after giving birth and finishing nursing before having LASIK, allowing your vision and hormones to stabilize.
What If You’re Not a LASIK Candidate?
Even if you’re not a candidate for LASIK, you still have excellent options for permanent vision correction. During your evaluation, you will have a comprehensive eye exam and review your medical history.
If LASIK isn’t the right fit, you may qualify for other advanced procedures such as EVO ICL, PRK, or Custom Lens Replacement (CLR)—all of which offer safe, effective, and long-lasting vision correction options.
Enjoy a Lifetime of Clear Vision
The only way to know for sure whether you’re a LASIK candidate is to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with an experienced eye surgeon. At Williamson Eye Center, our LASIK experts will determine the safest and most effective option for your eyes—whether that’s LASIK or another advanced vision correction procedure.
Ready to find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK?
Schedule your free, no-obligation LASIK consultation today at Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, LA, and take the first step toward clearer, sharper vision.
