Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, and that’s where careful screening matters. Your age, corneal thickness, stability of refraction, eye health, and lifestyle all guide the right decision.
Want to get rid of your glasses? Are you considering LASIK? Vision correction surgery can be life changing; however, you must know if you are a good candidate for LASIK. Here are some basic facts to help you talk to your doctor. These decide your eligibility for LASIK, says Dr Bhartiya.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. Emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and continuity of care. She is rated 5 stars across 1,500+ patient reviews on Google.
The Power of Your Glasses Decides if You Are Fit For LASIK
If your power of glasses, or refractive error, is very high — you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. LASIK surgery outcomes are less predictable and more risky if you have a high power.
If you have a high power of glasses, your doctor will discuss other options for spectacle removal. These include femtosecond LASIK, phakic IOL (implantable lenses) or refractive lens exchange.
Your Age Decides if You Are Fit for LASIK
LASIK is done once you are at least 18 years old. However, younger patients may be treated as an exception. However, requires permission from the patient’s parent(s) or guardian, and the discretion of the surgeon.
There is, however, is no upper age limit. That said, remember you will need reading glasses in your 40s, and LASIK only corrects for distance vision. So, you may not get complete freedom from your spectacles.
Of course, your surgeon may consider monovision LASIK, in which one eye is corrected for distance, and the other for near. But, you must understand the implications of this very well.
Also, remember that dryness of eyes increases with old age, and LASIK can aggravate it.
Healthy eyes
Your eyes must be healthy for you to get good results after LASIK. Your doctor will assess you for dry eyes, allergies, injuries, and eye infections. These conditions can affect the success of LASIK, and your eyes’ healing. Most of these conditions can be treated prior to surgery.
If you have dry eyes, LASIK surgery may aggravate it. So if you have any symptoms like discomfort, burning eyes, a gritty sensation, intermittent blurring, or even excessive watering, please discuss them with your doctor prior to surgery.
Your doctor will also check if your retina has any holes. They may have to be sealed with laser before you are fit for LASIK.
Several retinal diseases, cataracts and glaucoma are contraindications for LASIK. In case you have a risk of glaucoma, your eye doctor will discuss with you if you are fit for LASIK.
Thickness of Your Cornea
Most refractive procedures reshape your cornea. So if your cornea is thin or misshapen, you may not be fit for LASIK.
However, recent advances mean even those with thin corneas are eligible for vision correction surgeries. For example, using a femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome may preserve more underlying corneal tissue. Thus, even if you are not eligible for conventional LASIK, you may be fit for femtosecond LASIK. ICL (implantable collamer lenses or phakic IOLs) are yet an option.
Stable Vision
To be fit for LASIK, your vision and spectacles prescription must be stable for at least a year.
Otherwise, you may need glasses a few months after the surgery. Your eye doctor will look at your previous prescriptions and decide if your power is stable.
Overall Good Health
Uncontrolled degenerative conditions or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and AIDS are contraindications for LASIK. The poor healing associated with these diseases mean you are not fit for LASIK.
Also, certain medications like immunosuppressants may interfere with post-operative healing. Some medications may aggravate dry eyes, so please discuss your complete medical history with your eye doctor before LASIK.
Delay LASIK if Pregnant
Pregnancy and breastfeeding lead to hormonal changes. These can alter the shape of your cornea, and your vision. Therefore, LASIK should be avoided until your hormones and vision have returned to normal after pregnancy. This may take a few months, upto a year.
Pregnancy is also associated with dry eyes, which is another reason you may not be fit for LASIK. Also, you will need some medications ( antibiotics and steroids) after surgery which may be risky for your baby.
Fit for LASIK: Have Realistic Expectations
LASIK is a very safe surgery. However, you must understand possible side effects, risks and potential complications. Discuss them with your eye doctor before you choose to undergo the procedure.
Discuss all health related issues with your eye surgeon, as also your hopes and aspirations. Your doctor will also discuss your career choices, lifestyle and medical history before deciding if you are fit for LASIK. This will ensure you achieve the best possible results.
LASIK – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
2. Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Adults with stable power, healthy corneas, and no significant eye disease. A detailed evaluation determines suitability.
3. Is LASIK permanent?
The correction is long-lasting, but natural age-related changes (like reading glasses after 40) can still occur.
4. Is LASIK painful?
No. The procedure is usually painless, with only mild discomfort or dryness for a few days.
5. How long does the procedure take?
The laser part takes a few minutes per eye; the entire process is typically completed within 15–20 minutes.
6. How soon can I see clearly?
Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, with stabilisation over a few weeks.
7. Are there risks?
LASIK is generally safe when done in the right patient. Possible side effects include dryness, glare, or halos; usually temporary.
8. Can everyone undergo LASIK?
No. Thin corneas, unstable power, dry eye disease, or certain conditions may make other options more suitable.
9. What tests are done before LASIK?
Corneal thickness mapping, topography, tear film assessment, refraction, and a detailed eye exam.
10. What precautions should I take after LASIK?
Avoid eye rubbing, use prescribed drops, limit screen strain initially, and follow scheduled reviews.
11. Will I still need glasses after LASIK?
Some patients may need minimal correction for specific tasks, especially as they age.
12. What are the alternatives to LASIK?
PRK, SMILE, or implantable lenses: depending on corneal health and refractive error.
A Note About Glaucoma and LASIK
LASIK and glaucoma intersect more than most patients realise. While LASIK can safely reduce dependence on glasses, it also alters corneal thickness. This makes intraocular pressure (IOP) readings appear lower than they actually are. This can mask early glaucoma or give a false sense of control in known patients.
A careful pre-LASIK evaluation (including optic nerve assessment and baseline imaging) is essential, and anyone with glaucoma or at risk needs long-term, structured follow-up after surgery. The goal is not just visual freedom, but protecting the optic nerve over time.
About the Author
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. She is also the Program Director for Community Outreach & Wellness; and for the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine. This article was updated in April 2026.
She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma management, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
Access her work on Pubmed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ORCID.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya
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