If glasses and contact lenses are leaving you frustrated, LASIK could offer a life-changing solution. This popular laser eye surgery has helped millions achieve sharper vision without the need for corrective lenses. However, LASIK isn't for everyone. Knowing whether you’re a good candidate is the first step toward clearer vision.
This guide will help you determine if LASIK is right for you by exploring the key factors that define eligibility, such as age, eye health, and lifestyle. At Monson Vision, our experienced LASIK surgeons can evaluate your unique situation and recommend the best course of action.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK?
One of the first questions people ask is, "How old do you have to be to get LASIK?" Generally, LASIK is best suited for individuals aged 18 and older, as vision tends to stabilize after this age.
- Why stability matters: If your prescription is still changing, you’re not an ideal candidate. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors, but if your vision shifts after surgery, you may need additional corrections down the line. Optometrists usually recommend waiting at least one year after your prescription stabilizes before considering LASIK.
While there’s technically no upper age limit, age-related conditions like cataracts or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) can impact your eligibility. Many patients over the age of 40 still undergo LASIK successfully, but a thorough eye exam is essential.
Who Can Get LASIK? Factors That Determine Eligibility
If you’re asking yourself, "Who can get LASIK?" it’s important to consider certain health and lifestyle factors. Surgeons assess candidates based on several criteria, including eye health, overall medical history, and even personal goals. Here's a closer look at what this entails:
Healthy Eyes Are Key
Your eyes must be in good health to undergo LASIK. The procedure corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but the overall health of your cornea plays a critical role.
- Corneal Thickness: LASIK removes small amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. If your corneas are too thin, you may need to consider alternative procedures like PRK, which achieves similar results without requiring a corneal flap.
- No Eye Diseases: Conditions like keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye syndrome can disqualify you from LASIK. These issues increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Absence of Injuries or Scars: Injuries to the eye or scarring can also reduce your LASIK eligibility. A comprehensive eye exam will evaluate these factors.
Stable Vision Prescription
Your vision should be relatively stable for at least 12 months prior to surgery. This is a crucial factor, particularly for younger individuals whose prescriptions may still be changing.
- Refractive Error Guidelines:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): Up to -10.00 diopters
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): Up to +4.00 diopters
- Astigmatism: Up to 5.00 diopters
These ranges vary depending on the LASIK technology used, so ensure your specific refractive error falls within acceptable limits.
Good Overall Health
LASIK involves a brief but intricate surgical procedure, meaning candidates must be in decent overall health to reduce the risk of complications.
- Chronic Conditions: Systemic diseases like autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes may disqualify you from LASIK due to slower healing times and increased risk of infections.
- Pregnancy & Nursing: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can temporarily affect your vision and make LASIK less predictable. It’s best to wait until these changes have normalized.
Realistic Expectations
LASIK isn’t a "magic wand." While it can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts, it may not deliver perfect 20/20 vision for everyone.
- Post-Surgery Adjustments: Some people may still need to wear glasses or contacts intermittently, particularly for activities like night driving.
- Customized Outcomes: Discuss your specific goals with your surgeon to ensure LASIK aligns with your expectations. Understanding what the procedure can—and cannot—achieve will result in greater satisfaction.
Lifestyle Considerations for LASIK Candidates
Beyond age and health, your lifestyle can also influence whether LASIK is a good fit. For example:
- Active Individuals: LASIK is particularly appealing for those with active lifestyles. Athletes, hikers, and those in extreme sports appreciate the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts.
- Occupation Safety: Some jobs that demand high physical activity or exposure to dust—like firefighters or military personnel—may prefer LASIK for easier day-to-day operations.
However, if your occupation requires frequent eye adjustments or involves activities that put pressure on the eyes, consult your doctor to explore potential restrictions.
When LASIK May Not Be the Right Fit
While LASIK offers incredible benefits, it’s not necessarily ideal for everyone. If you fall under any of the following categories, alternative vision correction procedures, like PRK or implantable contact lenses (ICLs), might be better options:
- Extremely large refractive errors
- History of chronic dry eyes
- Poor corneal structure due to injury or disease
Your surgeon will guide you toward safe, effective options tailored to your needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
Determining whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK starts with a consultation. At Monson Vision in Logan, Utah, our skilled eye care professionals conduct thorough evaluations to help you decide if LASIK is right for you. If you're ready to enhance your view of the world—or want to know more about your specific vision needs—contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Clear vision is closer than you think. Take the first step toward visual freedom with Monson Vision.