- LASIK is an elective procedure and requires a formal pre-operative assessment to confirm suitability.
- Five key factors are assessed: age, prescription stability, corneal thickness and shape, eye health, and general health.
- Around 20% of potential patients are not eligible for LASIK, but alternative procedures such as SMILE or RLE may still be available.
- Certain medical conditions, medications, and life stages such as pregnancy can temporarily or permanently affect eligibility.
- The only way to confirm your candidacy is through a comprehensive consultation with an ophthalmologist.
If your eyesight is poor or deteriorating, laser surgery can significantly improve matters and restore clear vision. LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the leading treatments available and can allow many patients to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is not a medical necessity but an elective procedure. As such, candidates need to meet a number of criteria before being approved for treatment. These are assessed during an initial consultation. If you do not qualify, it is not the end of the road, as alternative treatments such as SMILE and RLE may be more appropriate for your eyes.
Who Qualifies for LASIK? The General Eligibility Rules
Although LASIK is the preferred choice for many patients, some candidates will not be suitable for a variety of reasons. On average, up to 20% of potential patients are not eligible for LASIK surgery.
Eligibility is based on the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome. Five factors are assessed: age, prescription stability, corneal thickness and shape, eye health, and general health. Candidates need to satisfy all five criteria before being approved.
It is also important that patient expectations are realistic. If what a patient hopes to achieve is beyond what LASIK can deliver for their individual eyes, the procedure may not be recommended. Understanding what LASIK can and cannot do is an important part of the consultation process.
5 Critical Factors Doctors Check During a LASIK Consultation
1. The Right Age
Candidates must be at least 18 years old before being considered for LASIK. Before this age, eyes are still maturing and changing under hormonal influence, which would affect the longevity of any correction made. Many surgeons recommend waiting until the mid-twenties to ensure ocular stability. There is no upper age limit for LASIK, though older patients may be better served by alternative procedures depending on the condition of their natural lens.
2. Prescription Stability
Your glasses or contact lens prescription needs to have been stable, with a change of no more than 0.5 diopters in the previous 12 to 24 months. LASIK is effective for specific ranges of refractive error: farsightedness (hyperopia) up to +6.0 diopters, nearsightedness (myopia) up to -12.0 diopters, and astigmatism up to 6 diopters. Prescriptions outside these ranges or that continue to change may not be suitable for LASIK treatment.
3. Corneal Thickness and Shape
LASIK reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue, so there must be sufficient corneal thickness for this to be done safely. If the cornea is too thin or has irregular density, LASIK is not possible. This is one of the most common reasons candidates are found ineligible. Patients with thin corneas may be better suited to Customized PRK or SMILE.
4. Eye Health
Your eyes need to be in good condition to heal properly and minimise the risk of infection or complications after surgery. Any existing injuries, active infections, or chronic eye conditions will need to be resolved before surgery can proceed. Conditions such as severe dry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma may affect eligibility.
5. General Health
Good general health supports faster and more effective recovery. Certain systemic medical conditions can interfere with healing and make a successful outcome less likely. A full medical history will be reviewed during your consultation to assess any relevant factors.
Common Conditions That Might Disqualify You From LASIK
Certain medical conditions can make a candidate unsuitable for LASIK. These include:
- Eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eyes.
- Uncontrolled systemic conditions such as diabetes.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which can impair the body’s natural healing process.
- Pregnancy, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the prescription to fluctuate. It is generally recommended to wait until after the baby is born.
- Certain medications, including some acne treatments and corticosteroids, which can affect healing and may need to be discontinued before surgery can be considered.
Your Next Steps: How to Test Your Candidate Status
Even if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you cannot confirm your suitability without a formal assessment from an ophthalmologist. The only way to know for certain is to book a free consultation.
During the consultation, your eyes will be examined thoroughly, including an assessment of corneal thickness and shape, a review of your current and previous prescriptions to confirm stability, and an evaluation of your general health. You will also be asked about your lifestyle, expectations, and personal goals for your vision.
It is essential to be completely open and honest during the consultation and to provide access to your full medical history. Withholding information may put your health at risk and reduce the chances of achieving the outcome you are hoping for. Our team of ophthalmologists needs all relevant information to make a fully informed recommendation.
Achieving better vision is a collaborative process, and we are committed to helping you reach the best possible outcome for your individual eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for LASIK surgery?
The minimum age for LASIK is 18 years. However, many surgeons recommend waiting until the mid-twenties to ensure the prescription has fully stabilised. Eyes that are still changing can affect the longevity and accuracy of the correction achieved.
Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?
Severe dry eye is a disqualifying condition for LASIK, as the procedure can temporarily worsen dryness by affecting corneal nerves. Patients with mild dry eyes may still be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Alternatives such as SMILE carry a lower risk of post-operative dry eye and may be more appropriate.
What happens if I do not qualify for LASIK?
Not qualifying for LASIK does not mean you cannot have your vision corrected. Depending on the reason for ineligibility, alternative procedures such as SMILE, Customized PRK, EVO ICL, or RLE may be suitable options. Our team will always discuss available alternatives if LASIK is not the right fit. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a thorough pre-operative examination is essential to identify the safest and most effective treatment for each patient.
How long does a LASIK consultation take?
A comprehensive pre-operative LASIK consultation typically takes between one and two hours. During this time, a range of diagnostic tests will be performed, including corneal mapping, prescription assessment, and a review of your eye and general health. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your expectations with one of our doctors.
