If you’re tired of waking up to blurry vision, struggling with glasses, or dealing with the hassle of contact lenses, LASIK could be the solution. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, it’s important to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK.
You May Be a Candidate for LASIK if...
You Are 18 Years or Older
LASIK is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older. Vision changes frequently during adolescence, and most surgeons require that your prescription has remained stable for at least one year. Once you’re an adult with a consistent prescription, you may qualify for LASIK.
You Have a Stable Prescription
Your eyeglass or contacts prescription should remain unchanged for 12+ months. Significant fluctuations could indicate an underlying condition that needs to be addressed before LASIK is considered. Stability ensures the laser correction will remain accurate over time.
You Have Sufficient Corneal Thickness
LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea and reshaping underlying tissue. If your corneas are too thin, the procedure may not be safe. A corneal thickness of at least 0.5mm is typically required. We use advanced diagnostic imaging to evaluate this accurately.
You Are in Good General Health
Your overall health plays a vital role in how well your eyes heal after LASIK. If you don’t have chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or issues that interfere with wound healing, you’re more likely to recover smoothly and achieve optimal results.
You May NOT Be a Candidate for LASIK if...
You Have a Current Eye Disease or Injury
Patients with active or chronic eye diseases may be ineligible for LASIK. Disqualifying conditions include:
- Keratoconus
- Glaucoma
- Corneal dystrophy
- Retinal disease
- Optic nerve disorders
- Severe dry eye
- Recent herpes simplex or herpes zoster in the eye
You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation can temporarily affect your vision. Because of this, LASIK is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Most surgeons advise waiting at least three menstrual cycles after childbirth and after you’ve stopped breastfeeding to reassess candidacy for LASIK surgery.
You Have Certain Medical Conditions
LASIK is not recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency, or poorly controlled diabetes. These can impair healing or increase the risk of complications. A full medical history will be reviewed during your consultation.
Alternative Procedures if You Don't Qualify for LASIK...
PRK
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a surface-based laser vision correction procedure, ideal for patients with thin corneas or mild dry eye. Instead of creating a corneal flap, PRK removes the corneal surface layer before reshaping the tissue underneath.
EVO ICL™
EVO ICL is an implantable collamer lens placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. It’s ideal for patients who are not LASIK candidates due to thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eyes. The EVO ICL is reversible and doesn’t remove corneal tissue.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is often recommended for patients over 40 who are beginning to experience presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). This procedure replaces the natural lens of the eye with an intraocular lens, providing clearer distance and reading vision.
Who is a good candidate for LASIK vs. EVO ICL?
LASIK and EVO ICL are both effective procedures, but they are suited to different types of patients. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of ideal candidates.
You May Be a Good Candidate for LASIK if:
- Your prescription is within the mild to moderate range (typically up to -8.00 D of myopia)
- You have healthy corneal thickness and no eye diseases
- You prefer a quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort
- You have stable vision and are not pregnant or nursing
You May Be a Better Candidate for EVO ICL if:
- You have very high myopia or astigmatism
- Your corneas are too thin or irregular for LASIK
- You have a history of dry eye
- You prefer a reversible, additive procedure
- You want an option that preserves corneal tissue
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Jimmy Hu is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty fellowship training in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery from Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Trusted by fellow surgeons, athletes, and professionals, Dr. Hu brings exceptional expertise and dedication to every patient he treats. If you’re considering LASIK or another vision correction option, schedule your consultation to find out which is right for your eyes and lifestyle.
