Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK? 7 Signs You May Qualify
LASIK is one of the most successful elective procedures in medicine — but not for everyone. A 2024 meta-analysis found that 96% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, that success rate depends heavily on patient selection. Here’s how to know if you might be a good candidate.
Sign #1: Your Prescription Has Been Stable for 12+ Months
Prescription stability is one of the most important LASIK requirements. If your vision has changed more than 0.25 diopters in the past year, most surgeons will recommend waiting. Stable prescription means the LASIK correction will hold long-term.
Sign #2: You’re Between 21 and 55 Years Old
The minimum age for LASIK is generally 18, but most surgeons prefer 21 to ensure the prescription is fully stable. There’s no strict upper age limit, but patients over 55 may want to discuss presbyopia management — the natural loss of near vision that affects almost everyone after 40.
Sign #3: You Have Adequate Corneal Thickness
LASIK requires removing a small amount of corneal tissue. If your corneas are too thin (generally below 500 microns), there may not be enough tissue for safe reshaping. If thin corneas are an issue, PRK or EVO ICL may be better options.
Sign #4: You Have Mild to Moderate Dry Eyes (or None)
Dry eye is both a risk factor and a potential post-LASIK side effect. Severe chronic dry eyes can be worsened by LASIK. Mild or no dry eye is ideal. If you have moderate dry eyes, discuss this specifically with your surgeon — some cases can be treated before LASIK proceeds.
Sign #5: Your Prescription Is Within the Treatable Range
LASIK works best for: Myopia (nearsightedness) up to about -12.00 diopters. Hyperopia (farsightedness) up to about +6.00 diopters. Astigmatism up to about 6.00 diopters. Very high prescriptions may require alternatives.
Sign #6: You Don’t Have Certain Medical Conditions
Autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), uncontrolled diabetes, and some medications can affect healing and may disqualify you. Always disclose your full medical history during screening.
Sign #7: You Have Realistic Expectations
96% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 or better. But “better than 20/20” is not guaranteed, and some patients may still need glasses for specific tasks (like reading fine print at night). Patients who understand and accept this go in with the right mindset — and tend to be the most satisfied.
What’s Next?
A comprehensive in-person screening is the only way to confirm candidacy. Take our free LASIK candidate quiz to get a preliminary sense of where you stand, then request a free consultation to get a professional opinion.
