Who qualifies
What makes someone a good candidate
LASIK suits many people, but a few criteria keep it safe and effective. Our surgeons confirm each one during a comprehensive evaluation.
You’re at least 18
LASIK is approved for adults 18 and up. Many people in their 20s through 60s are excellent candidates. What matters most is a stable prescription, not a number.
Your vision is stable
Your prescription should hold steady for at least one year. A changing prescription means it’s worth waiting until your eyes settle.
Your eyes are healthy
No active eye infections, severe cataracts, keratoconus, or certain retinal or optic-nerve conditions. Your consultation screens for all of these.
Your corneas are thick enough
Reshaping the cornea safely requires enough tissue to work with. If yours are thin, PRK or another option may be a better fit. We’ll tell you honestly.
You’re in good general health
Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disease should be well-controlled, and medications that slow healing may disqualify you or affect timing.
When to wait
Who might need to wait
LASIK is safe for most people, but a few situations mean it’s better to hold off, or explore a different procedure. A “not right now” is often just that: not now.
The only way to know for certain is a comprehensive exam with an independent doctor.
Unstable prescription
Vision that changed within the past year.
Certain eye conditions
Severe cataracts, keratoconus, active infection, or some retinal disease.
Thin corneas
Not enough tissue for safe laser correction; PRK may suit better.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes can shift vision; best to wait a while.
Uncontrolled health issues
Diabetes or autoimmune disease that isn’t well-managed.
Certain medications
Some drugs that slow healing, like corticosteroids, may disqualify you.
What it treats
The vision problems LASIK corrects
If you rely on glasses or contacts for any of these, there’s a good chance LASIK can help. Modern, custom mapping tailors the treatment to the exact shape of your eye.
At every stage
LASIK at every age
Candidacy looks a little different by decade. See what matters most for yours.
Candidacy quiz
Get a read on your eligibility in about a minute
A few quick questions give you a preliminary sense of whether LASIK is worth exploring. A great starting point, though never a substitute for an in-person exam.
No pressure, ever
Still not sure? That’s exactly what the free consultation is for.
Unlike many providers, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. You’ll sit down with an Eye Care Counselor, get a comprehensive evaluation, and leave with a clear, honest answer, whether that’s a green light or a “let’s wait.” No commitment required.
Common questions about candidacy
Good candidates are at least 18, have a prescription that’s been stable for about a year, and have healthy eyes without conditions like severe cataracts. General health conditions such as diabetes should be well-controlled, and you shouldn’t be on medications that impair healing.
You may not be a candidate if your prescription is outside the treatable range, your corneas are too thin, or you have an active eye infection. People with certain severe medical or eye conditions are typically advised to wait, as are those who are pregnant, due to hormonal fluctuations.
Yes: most people with astigmatism are candidates, because modern technology corrects it effectively. Our surgeons use advanced mapping to customize the treatment to your corneal shape.
Yes. Many people in their 40s and 50s are great candidates, especially with a stable prescription. Presbyopia (age-related near-vision loss) may call for an alternative such as monovision LASIK, which we’ll discuss at your consultation.
It’s a quick online tool that uses a few simple questions to give you a preliminary idea of your eligibility. It’s a helpful starting point, but not a substitute for a comprehensive, in-person consultation with a qualified eye care professional.